pity
PIT-ee
/ˈpɪti/
The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others, often accompanied by a sense of condescension or superiority.
Can easily carry a patronizing tone, placing the observer above the sufferer.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'pietas' through Old French 'pité'. Intriguingly, both 'pity' and 'piety' come from the exact same Latin root, splitting into two distinct words in Middle English.
Word relationships
- sympathy: Sympathy is caring concern without the condescending element that pity often carries.
- disdain: Disdain is arrogant contempt, whereas pity still contains a trace of sorrow for hardship.
Commonly confused with
- compassion: Pity looks down on the sufferer; compassion stands beside them as an equal.
Word family
- pitiful (adjective): Evoking pity or deserving contempt.
- pitiable (adjective): Deserving pity.
Collocations
- take pity on
- out of pity
- what a pity
- self-pity
Idioms & expressions
- more's the pity
- take pity
Example sentences
- "She felt a pang of pity for the stray dog shivering in the downpour." Personal reflection
- "I do not want your pity; I want your respect and fair treatment." Classic literature
Memory hook
Pity is looking down into a deep PIT at someone. Looking down with sorrow.
When not to use
Do not use if you want to emphasize equality and deep respectful feeling; use empathy or compassion instead.
Fun facts
- Pity and piety were spelled identically in Middle English and only split into distinct meanings in the 16th century!
Related words
Explore more words
sympathetic, condescending, compassionate, patronizing, sympathize, alas
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