1. a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)(Freq. 1) - the film captured all the pathos of their situation • Syn: poignancy • Derivationally related forms: poignant (for: poignancy) • Hypernyms: quality 2. a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others - the blind are too often objects of pity • Syn: commiseration, pity, ruth • Derivationally related forms: pathetic, piteous (for: pity), pity (for: pity), commiserate (for: commiseration) • Hypernyms: sympathy, fellow feeling 3. a style that has the power to evoke feelings • Hypernyms: expressive style, style