Pity

Pity

Noun & Verb · /ˈpɪti/ · sorrow for another's misfortune

Definition

Pity is the feeling of sorrow or compassion aroused by the suffering of another. As a verb, to pity someone means to feel sorry for them. It sits between empathy and condescension — depending on tone, pity can feel warm and caring, or subtly superior.

Origin

From Old French pité, from Latin pietas — meaning dutiful conduct, piety, and compassion. Entered English in the 13th century. The same Latin root gives us piety and pious.