adjective
patetisk
pathetic
Definition & meaning
Patetisk usually means pathetic: so inadequate, embarrassing, or pitiable that it inspires contempt or pity.
It can also mean overly emotional or melodramatic, especially in a literary or rhetorical context.
Grammar & Word origin
An adjective:
- Common gender: patetisk
- Neuter: patetiskt
- Plural and definite form: patetiska
- Comparative: mer patetisk
- Superlative: mest patetisk
The word comes from Greek pathos, meaning “suffering” or “emotion,” via words for emotional or passionate expression.
Synonyms & antonyms
- löjlig — “ridiculous”; emphasizes absurdity rather than pitiableness.
- ömklig — “pitiful” or “miserable”; focuses more on inspiring pity.
- melodramatisk — “melodramatic”; close to the emotional, exaggerated sense.
- värdig — “dignified”; an opposite when patetisk suggests embarrassing behavior.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Hans ursäkt var verkligen patetisk.adjective
His excuse was truly pathetic.
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