American English
/ˈpʰɪ.ɾi/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
A feeling of sadness and sympathy for someone who is suffering or having a difficult time.
In American English, the t in “pity” often sounds like a quick d between the vowels: /ˈpʰɪ.ɾi/.
A feeling of sadness and sympathy for someone who is suffering or having a difficult time.
She felt pity for the injured bird.
I could see pity in his eyes.
deep pity · a feeling of pity · out of pity
feel pity for + someone
take pity on + someone
An unfortunate situation that makes you feel sorry or disappointed.
What a pity you have to leave so soon.
It would be a pity to waste all that food.
In this meaning, pity is about an unfortunate situation, not a person who needs help.
a great pity · a real pity · such a pity
What a pity!
It's a pity that + subject + verb
To feel sorry for someone because they are suffering or having a difficult time.
I pity anyone who has to work in that heat.
She pitied the lonely child.
Pity can sound less warm or more distant than feel sorry for. In everyday speech, feel sorry for is often more natural.
pity + someone
pity + yourself
to feel sorry for someone and decide to help them
The neighbors took pity on the stray dog.
used to say that something is unfortunate or disappointing
What a pity we missed the show!
used to say that you regret a situation
It's a pity that the store is closed.
The y changes to i before -es and -ed: pities, pitied. Before -ing, keep the y: pitying.