English–French

“pitiful” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/patetik/

Example

Cet enfant est pathétique.

This child is pitiful.

Illustration for pathétique (pitiful)

How to say “pitiful” in French

“Pitiful” in French is pathétique.

Someone's weakness exposed so starkly that pity shades into ridicule.

Full entry for pathétique: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with pathétique

Il s'est senti pathétique après la remarque.

He felt pathetic after the remark.

Tips for using pathétique

  • French pathétique often sounds contemptuous, whereas English pathetic can also mean emotionally moving or merely inadequate.

“pitiful” in other languages