C1nounformalarts
US/ˈpeɪ.θɑːs/
UK/ˈpeɪ.θɒs/
a quality in a story, film or situation that makes people feel sadness and pity
In context
Charlie Chaplin's films mix slapstick comedy with moments of real pathos.
The actor played the lonely old father with great pathos.
There is a quiet pathos in the photos of empty classrooms after the flood.
Words that go with pathos
adjective + preposition
- full of pathosHer final letter is short but full of pathos.
noun + preposition
- sense of pathosThe slow cello music adds a sense of pathos to the scene.
- touch of pathosThe comedy ends with a touch of pathos.
- moments of pathosThe war film has moments of pathos among the explosions.
adjective + noun
- real pathosThe singer brings real pathos to the old love song.
- great pathosThe novel describes the refugees' journey with great pathos.