Pity definition
Sorrow felt for another's suffering or misfortune; compassion; sympathy.
noun
A matter of regret.
It's a pity she can't attend the reception.
noun
The ability to feel such compassion.
noun
Pity is a feeling of sorrow or sympathy for someone or something.
An example of pity is what might be felt by someone toward a child after seeing the child's dog get hit by a car.
noun
To feel pity for or on account of.
verb
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To feel pity for (someone or something). [from 15th c.]
verb
(now regional) To make (someone) feel pity; to provoke the sympathy or compassion of. [from 16th c.]
verb
Short form of what a pity.
interjection
To feel pity.
verb
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Sympathy and sorrow aroused by the misfortune or suffering of another.
noun
To feel pity (for)
verb
A cause for sorrow or regret.
noun
(countable) Something regrettable.
It's a pity you're feeling unwell because there's a party on tonight.
noun
have
- To show compassion for.
idiom
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have pity on
- to show pity or compassion for
idiom
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
have pity on
Origin of pity
- Middle English pite from Old French from Latin pietās piety, compassion from pius dutiful
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Anglo-Norman pité, pittee etc., from Old French pitet, pitié, from Latin pietās.
From Wiktionary