Definition

A type of biography that highlights the negative aspects of a person's life, such as their failures, illnesses, and tragedies, often focusing on how these elements influenced their work and life.

Example

The author's latest book is a pathography that explores the struggles and failures of a famous artist.

Conversation

I just read a book about a famous artist's life.

Oh really? Was it a typical biography or more of a pathography?

It was definitely a pathography; it focused a lot on their struggles and failures.

That sounds interesting, but I wonder if it was too one-sided.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pathography is formed from "patho-" (from Greek "pathos", meaning suffering or disease) and "-graphy" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word refers to writing about or describing suffering or disease.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pathos' which relates to suffering, and '-graphy' which means writing. This helps you remember that pathography is about writing concerning suffering or disease.

Visually Confused Words