Words / C1

PAYTH-os/ˈpeɪθɒs/

Pathos is a quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or sadness: pathos in the lobby, a note of pathos. Pity (already in the dictionary) is everyday; feeling is not a named risk.

Meaning

A quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or sadness (from pity, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Pathos in the lobby is not a named risk; write it on the register.”
• “Pity is already in this course. Poignancy is the close twin. Feeling is a vibe. A line on the register is a file. Write the risk; then keep the feeling if the clause still sits on a fact.”

Good to know

A quality that evokes pity. Everyday: pity (already in the dictionary). Feeling ≠ a named risk.

Near in meaning

pity, poignancy, sadness

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