bathos

American  

[bey-thos, -thaws, -thohs] / ˈbeɪ θɒs, -θɔs, -θoʊs /

noun

1. a ludicrous descent from the exalted or lofty to the commonplace; anticlimax.

2. insincere pathos; sentimentality; mawkishness.

   Synonyms:

   schmaltz, gush, mush, tearfulness, maudlinness

3. triteness or triviality in style.

   Synonyms:

   inanity, insipidity

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bathos British  

/ ˈbeɪθɒs /

noun

1. a sudden ludicrous descent from exalted to ordinary matters or style in speech or writing

2. insincere or excessive pathos

3. triteness; flatness

4. the lowest point; nadir

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Etymology

Origin of bathos

1630–40; < Greek: depth

Explanation

If something starts out serious and then turns trivial, that’s bathos. If you’re watching a serious drama about Poland’s transition to capitalism and it suddenly ends in a giddy car chase, you might remark on the film’s unexpected bathos. The word bathos came into English in the 17th century from the Greek word bathos, which literally means “depth.” In the 18th century English poet Alexander Pope gave the word its current meaning of a descent from lofty to trite. We often use it for movies or books. Bathos is usually unintentional — which means you can laugh at it. Bathos can also be used more broadly for something that’s trite or overly sentimental.

Example Sentences

Bathos hovers throughout, not least when what looks like a thurible is reverently lowered from the roof – and turns out to be a lampshade.

From The Guardian • Oct. 13, 2012

As evidenced by the stampede of undistinguished candidates for mayor, San Francisco is in danger of becoming Bathos by the Bay.

From Time Magazine Archive

Of the various fragments contributed by Pope, there is only one which need be mentioned here—the treatise on Bathos in the third volume, in which he was helped by Arbuthnot.

From Alexander Pope English Men of Letters Series by Stephen, Leslie, Sir

Bathos is avoided: the deepest depths of genuine pathos are touched.

From Richard Wagner Composer of Operas by Runciman, John F.

Bathos, truly; but Mr. Toomey sat down at the side of Miss Purdy, millinery, and their hands came together in sympathy.

From The Four Million by Henry, O.