pathetically, adv.
(pəˈθɛtɪkəlɪ)
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In a pathetic manner.
1. So as to excite passion or emotion; movingly, affectingly. † a. In general sense. Obs.
| 1592 G. Harvey Four Lett. iii. Wks. (Grosart) I. 195 Patheticallie intermixt with sundry dolefull pageantes. 1661 Boyle Style of Script. (1675) 247 Some devout composures are so pathetically penned, that [etc.]. a 1797 H. Walpole Mem. Geo. II (1847) I. viii. 243 This Mr. Pelham answered finely, seriously, and pathetically. |
b. So as to excite pity or other tender emotion; in a way full of pathos.
| 1739 Cibber Apol. (1756) II. 99 Wilks..seem'd more pathetically to feel, look, and express his calamity. 1824 Galt Rothelan I. ii. x. 232 Pathetically ruminating on the vanity of human wishes. 1896 Mrs. Caffyn Quaker Grandmother 269 Her lips drooped pathetically;..her eyes filled with real tears. |
† 2. With passion or strong emotion; passionately, vehemently; feelingly, earnestly. Obs.
| 1602 Marston Antonio's Rev. iv. ii, I do hate a foole most most pathetically. 1663 Blair Autobiog. viii. (1848) 105 A gracious woman pathetically pouring out her heart to God. 1712 Parnell Spect. No. 460 ¶11 The Duty of the Place [Church]..being..pathetically performed. |
† 3. So as to express emotion. Obs.
| 1681 tr. Willis' Rem. Med. Wks., Five Treat. xvii. 120 The parts of the Face, usually moved pathetically and unthought of. [Cf. Pathetic A. 4, 5, Pathetical 4.] |