Bathos Definition in Context from 601 Words

Bathos definition and synonyms in real context from the book 601 Words You Need to Know to Pass Your Exam for advanced learners of English. Improve your vocabulary in authentic passages and examples and practice reading and listening simultaneously.

/ˈbeɪ.θɒs/ (noun)

Bathos definition

(usually in literature) an extremely sudden change in the plot or events from the most important and serious to the most trivial and unimportant matters or events, abrupt change to ordinary style, comedown, letdown, anticlimax, let-down

Example

Bathos is a literary term derived from a Greek word meaning “depth.” Bathos is the act of a writer or a poet falling into inconsequential and absurd metaphors, descriptions, or ideas in an effort to be increasingly emotional or passionate.

Some confuse bathos with “pathos.” The term was used by Alexander Pope to explain the blunders committed inadvertently by unskilled writers or poets. However, later on, comic writers used it intentionally to create humorous effects. The most commonly used bathos involves a sequence of items that descend from worthiness to silliness.

Source of example: https://literarydevices.net/

Antonyms

climax