Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- adv. In a pathetic manner; piteously.
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- Passionately.
- In a pathetic manner; in such a manner as to excite the tender emotions or feelings; affectingly.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- adv. arousing scornful pity
- adv. in a manner arousing sympathy and compassion
Etymologies
Examples
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But, rather than take it on, many campaigners pathetically fawn at the table, begging for crumbs – spending much of their time and energies in pathetically seeking attention.
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Why he stopped playing tournaments, and how his life unraveled so pathetically, is a story one can learn only by seeking out those who actually know Fischer.
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The smoke curled up pathetically from the Yukon stove-pipe.
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I take issue with the word "pathetically" - what is pathetic about proudly showing off your lists?
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You don't think it's the fact that the prosecution had what some people have called a pathetically weak case?
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Trembling with fear, the creature continued to wave its sword pathetically at her from its knees.
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The younger members of the family called pathetically for some short, ready name that would not tax pen or tongue.
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It calls pathetically for those who know to teach it, and for those who can to lead it.
Freedom In Service Six Essays on Matters Concerning Britain's Safety and Good Government
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He seemed to forget the passions and fury of his fierce career and live over the memories of his youth, recalling pathetically its bitter poverty and its fair dreams.
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That kind of pathetically ambiguous language is what you expect from dishonest shysters like the pro-life yokels who, when you ask them directly if abortion is murder, will most likely weasel themselves into a coma with a response like, "Well, it's tantamount to murder."
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