pity Meaning & Definition
What Does Pity Mean?
Pity is used as a noun meaning A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something. It can also mean Feeling of contempt one has for someone who is hopelessly inferior. As a verb, it means To feel pity for (someone or something). As an interjection, it means Ellipsis of what a pity.
Pity in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb, interjection |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɪti/ |
| Synonyms | compassionate, pathos and compassion |
| Plural | pities |
| Verb forms | pities, pitying, pitied |
Pity Definition (Noun)
- A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something.
I can't feel any pity towards the gang, who got injured while attempting to break into a flat.
- Feeling of contempt one has for someone who is hopelessly inferior.
- Something regrettable.
It's a pity you're feeling unwell because there's a party on tonight.
- Piety.
Pity as a Verb
- To feel pity for (someone or something).
You have got to pity the guy - he lost his wife, mother and job in the same month.
- To feel contempt for someone who is hopelessly inferior.
- To make (someone) feel pity; to provoke the sympathy or compassion of.
Pity as an Interjection
- Ellipsis of what a pity.
Interjection
- Short form of what a pity.
Synonyms of Pity
Pity in a Sentence
I can't feel any pity towards the gang, who got injured while attempting to break into a flat.
take pity on someone
It's a pity you're feeling unwell because there's a party on tonight.
What a pity about the band breaking up. I loved them!
You have got to pity the guy - he lost his wife, mother and job in the same month.
Word Forms & Grammar
pity (countable and uncountable, plural pities)
pity (third-person singular simple present pities, present participle pitying, simple past and past participle pitied)
pity!
Words That Rhyme With Pity
Origin of Pity
From Middle English pitye, pitie, pittye, pitee, pite, from Anglo-Norman pité, pittee etc., from Old French pitet, pitié, from Latin pietās. See also the doublets pietà and piety.
Pity: Your Questions Answered
Is pity a noun or a verb?
Pity is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an interjection.
What is another word for pity?
Words with a similar meaning to pity include compassionate, pathos and compassion. See the full list of pity synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of pity?
The plural of pity is pities.
What is the past tense of pity?
The past tense of pity is pitied. The present participle is pitying.