Meaning & use
Pathetically
Last updated
In a way that arouses pity, contempt, or a sense of inadequacy.
See it in a sentence
The team played pathetically in the second half, losing by thirty points.
He pathetically begged for a second chance after being caught lying.
A note on using this word
Though related to 'pathos' (deep emotion), 'pathetically' in modern usage almost always carries a critical or dismissive tone.
Words with a similar meaning
pitifullyfeebly
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
impressivelyadmirably
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