English Language & Usage Asked by HotelCalifornia on July 15, 2021
When describing rhetorical appeals, ‘ethos’ can become ‘ethical,’ and ‘logos’ can become ‘logical.’ But what about ‘pathos’? The closest I can come up with is ‘pathetic,’ but some research tells me that using the word pathetic to mean ‘relating to emotions’ is an archaic definition. I was also considering using ‘pathetical’ to differentiate from the piteous connotation of ‘pathetic’. Is there a more fitting word that I could use?
I'm reading The Rhetorical Tradition textbook and they've just used 'pathetical' in context with ethical and logical. It threw me off for a second, but it makes sense.
Correct answer by Stephanie Wolfe on July 15, 2021
- showing empathy or ready comprehension of others' states; "a sensitive and empathetic school counselor"
or sympathetic may suggest the idea: (from TFD)
Of, expressing, feeling, or resulting from sympathy: a sympathetic glance.
characterised by, feeling, or showing sympathy; understanding
Answered by user66974 on July 15, 2021
Yes, "pathetic" would be an adjective from the noun "pathos" (L. suffering, sensation, and akin to paschein, to suffer), just as you have for "ethos" and "logos".
There is a link to the 'suffering' there in Passion also (L. passio- root of "pati", to suffer/submit)
Answered by pip McCluskey on July 15, 2021
Yes, unfortunately, that is what "pathos" becomes, "pathetic".
It may have a more negative sound, but they both do mean the same thing: a show evoking pity and gloom.
Answered by wisty on July 15, 2021
Emotive.
1: of or relating to the emotions
2: appealing to or expressing emotion the emotive use of language
Source: Merriam-Webster.
Answered by Alex on July 15, 2021
The adjective form of the fourth device, Kairos, is "Kairotic". Perhaps Pathos could become "Pathotic".
Answered by Guy Manson on July 15, 2021
How about "touching"? That is, the heart being deeply touched or moved.
Answered by Robert K on July 15, 2021
I think that it should be "pathotic". It is a direct derivative of Pathos and no one can misread the word. It will, naturally, refer the reader to "pathos". Unfortunately, it's not in any dictionary, but. perhaps, it should be?
Answered by Arie Van der Ende on July 15, 2021
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