Pathos
/ˈpeɪθɒs/noun
A quality that evokes pity or sadness.
Did you know?The concept of 'Pathos' was crucial in ancient rhetoric, representing the emotional appeal that could sway audiences — a subtle magic of persuasion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πάθος (páthos)
“A feeling or experience, often of suffering or emotion.”
Late Latin
Latin
pathos
“A term used to describe deep emotional appeal.”
17th Century
English
pathos
“Adoption of the term into English, retaining the meaning of emotional suffering or appeal.”
Modern English
English
pathos
“Used in literature and rhetoric to describe the emotional resonance of a work.”