Pity

/ˈpɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.

She felt a deep pity for the homeless man sitting on the street.

A cause of regret or disappointment.

It's a pity that the concert was canceled due to the weather.

verb

To feel sorrow or compassion for someone.

I pity those who have to endure such hardships.

To feel regret or disappointment about something.

I pity the situation and hope it improves soon.

From Middle English 'pite', from Old French 'pitié', from Latin 'pietatem' which means 'piety, duty, compassion'.

It's a pity

An expression used to show regret about a situation.

Take pity on

To show kindness or compassion towards someone.

Pity party

A gathering or situation where people express self-pity.

compassion

Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

To express fake concern or insincere sympathy.

He just gave her pity party vibes.

To dismiss someone's feelings as trivial.

Don't pity me; I can handle this on my own.