English · Word Candidate

pity

/ˈpɪt.i/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pities · pitying · pitied

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something.

Noun

I can't feel any pity towards the gang, who got injured while attempting to break into a flat.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Feeling of contempt one has for someone who is hopelessly inferior.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To feel pity for (someone or something).

Verb

You have got to pity the guy - he lost his wife, mother and job in the same month.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To feel contempt for someone who is hopelessly inferior.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “pity” mean?

A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something.

Is “pity” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.