Definitions for: Pathos

[n] a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow); "the film captured all the pathos of their situation"
[n] a style that has the power to evoke feelings
[n] a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others; "the blind are too often objects of pity"

Webster (1913) Definition: Pa"thos, n.
1. The quality or character of those emotions, traits, or
experiences which are personal, and therefore restricted
and evanescent; transitory and idiosyncratic dispositions
or feelings as distinguished from those which are
universal and deep-seated in character; -- opposed to
ethos.

2. Suffering; the enduring of active stress or affliction.

Pa"thos, n. [L., from Gr. pa`qos a suffering, passion,
fr. ?, ?, to suffer; cf. ? toil, L. pati to suffer, E.
patient.]
That quality or property of anything which touches the
feelings or excites emotions and passions, esp., that which
awakens tender emotions, such as pity, sorrow, and the like;
contagious warmth of feeling, action, or expression; pathetic
quality; as, the pathos of a picture, of a poem, or of a cry.

The combination of incident, and the pathos of
catastrophe. --T. Warton.

Synonyms: commiseration, pity, poignancy, ruth

See Also: expressive style, fellow feeling, quality, style, sympathy

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