“Pathetic” vs. “Pitiful”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 14, 2023
Engram
The difference between “pathetic” and “pitiful”
- "Pathetic" is more often used in a derogatory way, while "pitiful" is more neutral.
- "Pathetic" emphasizes sadness and meagerness, while "pitiful" emphasizes an unfortunate situation.
- A situation can be pitiful without being pathetic, but something that is pathetic is also often pitiful.
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What is the definition of “pathetic” and “pitiful”?
Pathetic
- Marked by sadness or sorrow; causing or evoking pity.
- Can encourage mockery, ridicule, or bullying.
- Can also elicit sympathetic sadness or compassion.
Pitiful
- Evoking or deserving sympathy.
- Can be accompanied by helplessness, inferiority, and meekness.
- Can arouse compassion or sympathy in others.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Pathetic” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Pathetic
60,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- The team's performance in the championship game was pathetic; they barely put up a fight.
- It's pathetic how little effort he put into his schoolwork; he's failing almost every class.
- The restaurant's attempt at gourmet cuisine was pathetic; the food was bland and poorly cooked.
Pitiful
15,800,000 results on the web
Examples
- The state of the homeless shelter was pitiful; the conditions were unsanitary and overcrowded.
- It's pitiful how little support she's getting from her family during this difficult time.
- The abandoned puppy on the street looked pitiful, all alone and hungry.
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