pathetic
UK: pəˈθetɪk | US: pəˈθetɪk
adj. arousing pity, sorrow, or contempt; pitifully inadequate or unimpressive
adj. (archaic) relating to the emotions
pathetic = path<suffering> + etic<adjective suffix>
- path (from Greek pathos): means "suffering, feeling, emotion."
- etic (adjective-forming suffix): derived from Greek -etikos, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word "pathetic" traces back to the Greek pathētikos ("capable of feeling"), from pathos ("suffering, emotion"). Initially, it described things that evoked strong emotions (especially pity). Over time, its meaning narrowed to emphasize inadequacy or absurdity, often with a dismissive tone (e.g., "a pathetic excuse"). The shift reflects how emotional intensity came to be associated with weakness in modern usage.
His attempts to fix the leak were downright pathetic.
The stray dog’s whimper sounded so pathetic that she took it home.
Critics called the actor’s performance overly dramatic and pathetic.
She gave a pathetic shrug when asked about her unfinished work.
The once-great team’s defeat was a pathetic end to their season.