a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
"the blind are too often objects of pity"
the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it
"Seeing her struggle, he felt a deep pity that drove him to immediately offer his help."
A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something.
"She felt a deep pity when she heard about the accident that left her neighbor injured."
In plain English: Pity is feeling sorry for someone because they are having a hard time or bad luck.
"He felt great pity for his neighbor who had lost their job."
Usage: Use "pity" to express sorrow for another's bad luck, but avoid using it when you mean "contempt," which is better expressed with words like "despise." In formal contexts, consider replacing the phrase "I have no pity for him" with more precise terms like "condemnation" or "indifference."
share the suffering of
"She sat beside him in silence, sharing his deep pity as he mourned the loss of his family."
To feel pity for (someone or something).
"She felt deep pity for the stray dog shivering in the rain."
In plain English: To pity someone means to feel sad for their bad situation because you know they are suffering.
"I pity anyone who has to live through such bad weather every day."
Short form of what a pity.
"Oh, that's just what a pity," he said, shaking his head at the missed train.""
The word "pity" entered English through Middle English and Anglo-Norman borrowings of an Old French term derived from the Latin pietas. Originally signifying deep respect or devotion toward one's family, this sense eventually evolved into its modern meaning of sorrow for another's misfortune.