Bathetically

/bæˈθɛtɪkli/ adverb

Definition

In a bathetic manner; in a way that involves an abrupt, disappointing shift from something grand or important to something trivial or ordinary.

Etymology

From 'bathetic' (relating to bathos, from Greek 'bathos' meaning depth or lowering) plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. Bathos refers to the literary device of anticlimax, and the '-ally' adverbial form was standardized in English by the 18th century.

Kelly Says

This word captures why comedians are brilliant—they set up grand expectations then deflate them bathetically, like James Bond dramatically revealing his plan... to make a sandwich!

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