pity

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
  2. noun an unfortunate development
  3. noun the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

commiseration, ruth, pathos

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