pathos
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pathos
An emotional, often solemn or passionate expression in language or art that is meant to evoke strong emotions such as pity or deep emotion. The term can also describe an exaggerated, theatrical display of emotion.
Die Rede des Politikers war voller Pathos, aber es fehlten konkrete Vorschläge.
The politician's speech was full of pathos, but it lacked concrete proposals.
'Pathos' is a term from Ancient Greek and belongs to educated language. It is used mainly when talking about rhetoric, art, or literature.
Die antiken Redner nutzten Pathos, um das Publikum zu bewegen.
Ancient speakers used pathos to move the audience.
The related adjective is 'pathetisch' (pathetic/pathos-laden). It describes a person, speech, or action that is characterized by pathos.
Seine Abschiedsworte klangen sehr pathetisch.
His farewell words sounded very pathos-laden.
'Pathos' (pathos) can neutrally describe a solemn expression of emotion, but it is also often used negatively for exaggerated or inauthentic-seeming emotionality. Adjectives like 'echt' (genuine) or 'falsch' (false) help clarify the evaluation.
Seine Rede war voller falschem Pathos und leeren Phrasen.
His speech was full of false pathos and empty phrases.
Common expressions are 'mit (großem) Pathos' (with great pathos) or 'voller Pathos' (full of pathos). People often speak of pathos in a speech, a poem, or a film.
Sie trug das Gedicht mit großem Pathos vor.
She recited the poem with great pathos.
