Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pathos

noun
/ˈpeɪθɒs/
Definition
A quality that evokes pity or sadness.
Examples
  • In his speech, the actor used pathos to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
  • The movie was rich in pathos, leaving many viewers in tears.
Meaning
Pathos refers to the emotional appeal that a piece of writing, art, or speech can have on people, often prompting feelings of compassion or sorrow.
Synonyms
  • emotional appeal
  • sadness
  • compassion
  • sorrow