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bathos

/bæθɒs/ noun · British & US
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What does bathos mean?

noun

A sudden transition from a serious or elevated tone to a lower or more mundane one, often for humorous effect. A lack of dignity or seriousness.

Example

"The poet's use of bathos in the final stanza was a clever way to bring the reader back down to earth."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for bathos

Antonyms of bathos

Rhymes with bathos