Definition

Describing something that is overly sentimental or tries to evoke pity in a way that feels insincere or exaggerated.

Example

The movie's bathetic ending left many viewers feeling disappointed rather than moved.

Conversation

I watched that new movie last night, and it was kind of bathetic at the end.

Really? I heard it was supposed to be a tear-jerker.

Yeah, but it felt forced and just didn't hit the right notes for me.

I get that; sometimes they try too hard to make us feel something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bathetic → It is formed from "bathos" (from Greek "bathos", meaning depth) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "bathetic" refers to something that is related to or characterized by an overly sentimental or trivial depth, often in a way that is considered ludicrous or absurd.

Memory Tip

Think of 'depth' ('bathos') and remember that 'bathetic' describes something that is overly sentimental or trivial in a way that can seem ridiculous.

Visually Confused Words