pathos
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
An appeal to emotion used to persuade an audience by making them feel sympathy, sadness, or concern.
Usage notes
Pathos is one of Aristotle's three appeals, alongside ethos and logos.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The charity advert used _____, showing images of hungry children to move viewers to donate."
Answer: pathos
In your own words, what does "pathos" mean?
An appeal to emotion used to persuade an audience by making them feel sympathy, sadness, or concern.
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