pity

Pluralpities (some meanings)

Formspities, pitying, pitied

1. 1
   noununcountable

   A feeling of being sad for someone because they are suffering or in trouble.

   Like the warm, sad feeling you get when you see a hurt animal.

   She felt a deep pity for the lost dog wandering the streets.

   His story about the flood filled the whole room with pity.

   Similarcompassion, sympathy, empathy, mercy, commiseration

   Oppositeindifference, cruelty, callousness

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   Something sad or disappointing that you wish were different.

   It's a pity that the school trip got canceled this year.

   It would be a pity to throw away food that is still good.

   Similarshame

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To feel sad for someone because they are suffering or having a hard time.

   I pity anyone who has to walk home in this freezing storm.

   She pitied the stray cat shivering under the parked car.

   Similarcommiserate

4. 4
   interjectionabbreviationellipsis

   Short form of what a pity. Say this to show you feel sorry that something happened.

   Pity. I was really looking forward to that trip.

   You're leaving already? Pity, it was nice to see you.

   Note
5. 5
   verbdialectaltransitive

   To make someone feel sorry and full of sympathy for another person or thing.

   Their sad song will pity anyone who stops to listen.

   It pities me to see the lost puppy shaking in the cold.

   Similarmove, touch, sadden, affect

   Note

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