How to pronounce pathetic
Say it like puh-THET-ik. Pathetic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pathetic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- THET
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pathetic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of pathetic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: puh-THET-ik.
What does pathetic mean?
- deserving or inciting pity“a hapless victim”“miserable victims of war”
- inspiring mixed contempt and pity“their efforts were pathetic”“pitiable lack of character”
- inspiring scornful pity“how silly an ardent and unsuccessful wooer can be especially if he is getting on in years”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with pathetic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pathetic.
Questions about saying pathetic
How do you pronounce pathetic?
Say puh-THET-ik. The American pronunciation is /pəˈθɛtɪk/. In British English it is /pəˈθɛtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pathetic?
Pathetic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THET). Broken into parts: puh · THET · ik.
Is pathetic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /pəˈθɛtɪk/ (puh-THET-ik).