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adv

pathetically

puh-THEH-tihk-lee

Pathetically (adv) means In a way that is pitiable or contemptibly feeble. Example: “He pathetically begged for one more chance.”

adv
1
In a way that is pitiable or contemptibly feeble.
"He pathetically begged for one more chance."
"The team played pathetically in the second half."

How to use pathetically

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDoing something in a way that's sad, weak, or embarrassingly poor.

Common pairings
pathetically weak pathetically small

Word forms

more pathetically comparative, most pathetically superlative

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He _____ begged for one more chance.

pitiably

Rhymes for pathetically

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pathetically” mean?

The word “pathetically” means in a way that is pitiable or contemptibly feeble. In plain terms, doing something in a way that's sad, weak, or embarrassingly poor.

How do you pronounce “pathetically”?

“Pathetically” is pronounced puh-THEH-tihk-lee (/pəˈθɛtɪkli/ in IPA).

How do you use “pathetically” in a sentence?

Here is “pathetically” used in a sentence: “He pathetically begged for one more chance.”

What part of speech is “pathetically”?

“Pathetically” is an adverb.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial