 pathetic |
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| 1. | [ adjective ] inspiring mixed contempt and pity | |
| Synonyms: | pitiful pitiable | |
| Examples: | "their efforts were pathetic" "pitiable lack of character" "pitiful exhibition of cowardice" |
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| Related terms: | contemptible | |
| 2. | [ adjective ] deserving or inciting pity | |
| Synonyms: | poor piteous miserable hapless wretched pitiable pitiful misfortunate | |
| Examples: | "a hapless victim" "miserable victims of war" "piteous appeals for help" "pitiable homeless children" "a pitiful fate" "couldn't rescue the poor fellow" "his poor distorted limbs" "a wretched life" |
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| Related terms: | unfortunate | |
| 3. | [ adjective ] inspiring scornful pity | |
| Synonyms: | ridiculous silly | |
| Examples: | "how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years"- Dashiell Hammett |
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| Related terms: | undignified | |
