Synonyms for

Pity

Verb / ˈpɪti: / Another word for pity — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Feeling sorry for someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

ruth pathos compassion commiseration condolewith shame feelfor sympathizewith compassionate compassion sympathy empathy sorrow sadness regret remorse commiseration condolence benevolence clemency mercy leniency forgiveness charity generosity kindness consideration thoughtfulness tenderness

Synonyms by register

Formal

compassion sympathy mercy solicitude

Informal

bummer tough luck that sucks

Literary

commiseration pathos woe

Antonyms

joy happiness pleasure delight celebration excitement

Common collocations

  • feel pity for
  • have pity on
  • show pity
  • pity the fool
  • a pity it is
  • what a pity
  • out of pity

Word family

noun pity
verb pity
adjective pitiful
adverb pitifully

Usage note

While 'pity' can be used as a verb, it is more commonly used as a noun. It often implies a feeling of sorrow for someone else's misfortune, sometimes with a condescending tone.

Example sentences

  1. I felt pity for the stray dog wandering the streets.
  2. She had no pity for the thief who stole from her.
  3. He showed great pity towards his sick friend.
  4. The teacher had pity on the student who forgot their homework.
  5. She couldn't help but feel pity for the orphaned children.

Quotes

  • The capacity for compassion and the ability to feel pity are the things that make people truly human. - Khaled Hosseini
  • Pity is the virtue of the law, and none but tyrants use it cruelly. - William Penn
  • Pity is the deadliest feeling that can be offered to a woman. - Paul Gallico

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