pathetisch
pathetic
The German word "pathetisch" is an adjective that means "pathetic" or "pathos-filled". It is derived from the word "Pathos", which refers to an appeal to emotion, often used in literature or rhetoric. "Pathetisch" is generally used to describe something that is overly emotional or dramatic, sometimes to the point of being exaggerated or insincere.
Similar words in German include "rührend" (moving, touching), "traurig" (sad), and "dramatisch" (dramatic).
The key difference is that while "pathetisch" can carry a negative connotation, implying excessive emotionalism or pretense, "rührend" focuses on the genuine emotional impact, whereas "dramatisch" might emphasize intensity without any implication of insincerity.
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Examples
Der Redner klang ziemlich pathetisch.adjective
The speaker sounded quite pathetic.
Manchmal klingen seine Worte etwas pathetisch.adjective
Sometimes his words sound a bit pathetic.
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