Crossword Genius

The sad effect when a path gets so untidy (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pathos

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the sad effect' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'a path gets so untidy' is the wordplay.
'gets' says to put letters next to each other.
'untidy' indicates an anagram.
'so' anagrammed gives 'os'.
'path'+'os'='PATHOS'

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pathos that I've seen before include "Quality inspiring pity" , "Quality of attracting pity" , "Power to excite tender emotion" , "Quality eliciting pity and sympathy" , "Tragic air" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.