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pathos

[pey-thos, -thohs, -thaws] / ˈpeɪ θɒs, -θoʊs, -θɔs /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even the sequences of obvious pathos are earned, over and over again.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

There’s a certain tone in my voice, a register he didn’t want me to use, a register I often use for pathos or gravitas.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

But to her credit, Ms. Coon never turns the character into a wild-eyed hysteric or a manipulated figure of pure pathos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

But Ms. MeLampy is a gifted writer who works her grandmother’s material into her book with sparing pathos and plenty of humor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Richard Nixon’s “Checkers” speech, mentioned above in the section about pathos, contains a nicely clean instance of division.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith