pathetisch
Translation
pathetic, emotional, solemn, melodramatic
Examples
Seine Rede war sehr pathetisch.
His speech was very solemn.
Sein Versuch war einfach nur pathetisch.
His attempt was just pathetic.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) + Noun (to be) ... He gave a pathetic speech.
sein + ((Adjective)) to be ... His behaviour was pathetic.
Similar Words
gefühlvoll (emotional), übertrieben (exaggerated), feierlich (solemn); Antonyms: nüchtern (sober), sachlich (objective)
Etymology
From Greek 'pathos' (πάθος), meaning suffering, emotion, or passion.
Memory Tips
While related to English 'pathetic', the German word can also have a positive meaning of 'solemn' or 'full of pathos'. Context is key.