pity
pit·y / ˈpitē/ • n. (pl. pit·ies) 1. the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others: her voice was full of pity.2. [in sing.] a cause for regret or disappointment: what a pity we can't be friends.• v. (pit·ies, pit·ied) [tr.] feel sorrow for the misfortunes of: Clare didn't know whether to envy or pity them| [as adj.] (pitying) he gave her a pitying look. PHRASES: for pity's sake inf. used to express impatience or make an urgent appeal.more's the pity inf. used to express regret about a fact that has just been stated.take (or have) pity show compassion: they took pity on him and gave him food.DERIVATIVES: pit·y·ing·ly adv.
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