5 results for: bathos

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

ba·thos

Audio Help [bey-thos, -thaws, -thohs] Pronunciation Key

–noun

1.	a ludicrous descent from the exalted or lofty to the commonplace; anticlimax.

2.	insincere pathos; sentimentality; mawkishness.

3.	triteness or triviality in style.

[Origin: 1630–40; < Gk: depth

]

—Synonyms 2. maudlinness, tearfulness; mush, gush, schmaltz. 3. insipidity, inanity.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
bathos

To learn more about bathos visit Britannica.com

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

ba·thos Audio Help (bā'thŏs', -thôs') Pronunciation Key
n.

1. An abrupt, unintended transition in style from the exalted to the commonplace, producing a ludicrous effect.
2. An anticlimax.
3. Insincere or grossly sentimental pathos: "a richly textured man who . . . can be . . . sentimental to the brink of bathos" (Kenneth L. Woodward).
4. Banality; triteness.
1. Insincere or grossly sentimental pathos: "a richly textured man who . . . can be . . . sentimental to the brink of bathos" (Kenneth L. Woodward).
2. Banality; triteness.

[Greek, depth, from bathus, deep.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book)

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
bathos

"anticlimax, a descent from the sublime to the ridiculous," 1727, from Gk. bathos "depth," related to bathys "deep;" introduced by Pope. Bathetic (1834) is either erroneously or humorously formed on the model of pathetic.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

bathos
noun
1.	triteness or triviality of style
2.	insincere pathos [syn: mawkishness]
3.	a change from a serious subject to a disappointing one [syn: anticlimax]

View results from: Dictionary | Thesaurus | Encyclopedia | All Reference | the Web