Pathetic
/pəˈθɛt.ɪk/noun
Causing feelings of sadness, pity, or compassion.
Did you know?The word 'pathetic' comes from the Greek root meaning 'to suffer', tying it to the ancient understanding of empathy and human experience.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
παθητικός (pathētikós)
“Pertaining to suffering or feeling.”
Latin
Latin
pathēticus
“Causing emotion or suffering.”
Old French
Old French
pathétique
“Eliciting feelings of pity or sadness.”
14th Century
Middle English
pathetik
“Evoking sorrow or compassion.”
Modern English
English
pathetic
“Inspiring pity or sadness; often in a disappointing or inadequate way.”