pity etymology

Etymology

The word "pity" comes from the Old French word "pitié", which in turn comes from the Latin word "pietas".

Meaning

Pity is a feeling of sorrow or sympathy for someone who is suffering or in need. It can also refer to a feeling of regret or disappointment.

Origin

  • Old French pitié

  • Latin pietas

  • Proto-Indo-European *ḱeh₂i- ("to suffer, be sorry")

Examples of usage

  • "I feel pity for the homeless people who live on the streets."
  • "It's a pity that you didn't get the job you wanted."
  • "The witness displayed pity toward the victim."
  • "His misfortune evokes pity in the hearts of all who hear his story."
  • "The teacher showed pity on the student who had made a mistake."

pity relate terms

  • piety

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French pietet from Latin pietatem accusative

  • pity

    Etymology The word pity comes from the Old French word pitié which in turn comes fr

  • pious

    Etymology The word pious comes from the Latin word pius which means devout relig

  • pity

    Etymology The word pity comes from the Old French word pitié which in turn comes fr

  • Pieta

    Etymology and Origin Pietà is an Italian word derived from the Latin pietatem mea

  • piety

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French pietet from Latin pietatem accusative

  • pity

    Etymology The word pity comes from the Old French word pitié which in turn comes fr

  • pittance

    Etymology The word pittance derives from the Latin pietantia meaning a dish served

  • commiseration

    Etymology Latin commiserari meaning to have pity on to commiserate Meaning The

  • ruth

    Etymology origin of the word The name Ruth is of Hebrew origin and comes from the word

  • piteous

    Etymology The word piteous derives from the Old French word piteus which in turn is

  • compassion

    Etymology Latin compassio suffering together com with together passio su

  • alms

    Etymology Middle English almesse from Old English ælmesse Old English ælmesse fro

  • sorrow

    Etymology The word sorrow comes from the Old English word sorg which in turn derives

  • misfortune

    Etymology Old English misfortuna from Late Latin misfortuna literally misfortune f

  • commiserate

    Etymology Middle English commiseren from Latin commiserārī to feel pity for hav