pity
Translation
pity, compassion, shame
Examples
He felt pity for the lost dog.
He felt pity for the lost dog.
It's a pity you can't come.
It's a shame you can't come.
Grammar Patterns
((to feel)) pity ((for sb./sth.)) to feel compassion for someone/something He felt pity for the homeless man.
((It's a)) pity ((that...)) it is regrettable that... It's a pity that you have to leave so soon.
Similar Words
Synonyms: compassion, sympathy; Antonyms: cruelty, indifference
Etymology
From Old French 'pitié', from Latin 'pietas' meaning 'piety, dutifulness, pity'. It is related to the word 'piety'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'pity party,' a situation where someone is feeling sorry for themselves. The word 'pity' is at the heart of this feeling.