Dictionary of English - pathetic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

This means 'giving rise to pity': pathetic television pictures of starving children; a pathetic attempt to hold on to the life-raft. It is also widely used to mean 'very bad', 'inadequate', 'deserving contempt or scorn': What a pathetic excuse!. Avoid this in formal contexts.

The flag was said to represent the nation's hope for a green revolution in agriculture. Green expresses the people's Muslim faith. Effective date: 20 November 1977. >>