bathos

UK: /ˈbeɪθɒs/ US: /ˈbeɪθɑs, -θoʊs/ ,(bā′thos, -thôs, -thōs)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ba•thos /ˈbeɪθɑs, -θoʊs/   n. [uncountable]

1. (in writing) a sudden change in subject matter from a high and serious topic to a commonplace and ridiculous one.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ba•thos  (bā′thos, -thôs, -thōs), n. 

1. a ludicrous descent from the exalted or lofty to the commonplace;
   anticlimax.
2. insincere pathos;
   sentimentality;
   mawkishness.
3. triteness or triviality in style.

• Greek: depth
• 1630–40

Synonyms

• 2. . maudlinness, tearfulness; mush, gush, schmaltz.
• 3. . insipidity, inanity.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

bathos / ˈbeɪθɒs/ noun

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

Etymology: 18th Century: from Greek: depth, from bathus deep