patetico

pathetic

adjective pah-TEH-tee-koh Rare

Origin: From Greek pathetikós (capable of feeling).

Also means

pitiful

Usage Note

Patetico is a near-false-friend: in Italian it primarily means pathetic in the dismissive sense (pitiful, contemptible), not 'moving' or 'touching' as the Greek root suggests. It agrees in gender: patetica (f), patetici (m pl), patetiche (f pl). Use commovente or toccante when you mean emotionally touching. In Italian slang, sei patetico! is a sharp insult.

Examples

"La sua scusa era davvero patetica."

Natural Translation

His excuse was truly pathetic.

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