VocabDictionary

pity

/หˆpษชti/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings and misfortunes of others.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œShe looked at the stray dog with deep pity.โ€
  • โ€œHis plea for help was met with cold indifference rather than pity.โ€
2.noun

A cause for regret or disappointment.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œIt's a great pity that you missed the concert.โ€
  • โ€œWhat a pity they couldn't come to the party.โ€
3.verb

To feel sorrow or compassion for the sufferings or misfortunes of.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œI pity anyone who has to work in this dreadful weather.โ€
  • โ€œDo not pity the dead; pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œpityโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English: from Old French pitรฉ, from Latin pietas 'piety, pity', from pius 'pious'. Historically, 'pity' and 'piety' are doublets, originally sharing the sense of tender-heartedness, duty, and religious devotion before diverging in meaning.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Pity sounds like 'petty', but showing pity to someone in need is far from pettyโ€”it shows a big heart.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œpityโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œpityโ€ in English?

In English, pity (noun) is defined as: โ€œThe feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings and misfortunes of others.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œpityโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œShe looked at the stray dog with deep pity.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œpityโ€?

Common synonyms include:compassion,sympathy,commiseration,regret

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œpityโ€?

Middle English: from Old French pitรฉ, from Latin pietas 'piety, pity', from pius 'pious'. Historically, 'pity' and 'piety' are doublets, originally sharing the sense of tender-heartedness, duty, and religious devotion before diverging in meaning.