Which term refers to an abrupt transition in style often resulting in humor?

Bathos is the correct term for an abrupt transition in style that often results in humor. It typically occurs when a writer shifts from a serious or elevated tone to a more mundane or trivial one, creating a sense of incongruity that can be amusing. This abrupt change can occur within a passage or between sentences, leading to a comedic effect as the audience is taken from high drama or emotional intensity to something trivial or absurd.

The other terms do not fit this definition. Climax refers to the point of greatest intensity or the turning point in a narrative, often building tension rather than providing humor. Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality but does not specifically convey a shift in style for comedic purposes. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect, which may not necessarily involve a transition in style but rather an intensification of expression.