What is pity? Pronunciation and usage in English

pity means . Learn how to pronounce and use pity through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pity

pitynoun

/ˈpɪti/
Definition & pronunciation of pity

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pity" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈpaɪti/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress - it's the strongest part of the word.)
  • pa - Pronounced like the "pa" in "father" (short 'a' sound)
  • i - Pronounced like the "i" in "bit" (short 'i' sound)

Here's a more descriptive way to say it:

Think of it as: "pie-tee" – but with a slightly shorter, sharper "i" sound than you might use in "bit."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Short 'a' sound: The first syllable ("pa") uses a short "a" sound as in “father” or “cat”. Don’t say “pay.”
  • Short 'i' sound: The second syllable ("i") has a quick, short “i” sound, similar to the “i” in “bit” or “sit”. Don’t draw it out too long.
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("pa"). This is key to getting the rhythm of the word correct.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "pity"?

Usage and examples with the word pity in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pity" effectively in English. It's a nuanced word with a range of meanings and connotations. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning: Feeling of Sorrow for Someone Else's Misfortune

  • Basic Definition: At its most fundamental, “pity” means feeling or expressing sympathy and sorrow for someone's suffering, problems, or bad luck. It's a feeling of sadness because someone is going through something difficult.

    • Example: "I felt a great pity for the homeless man shivering in the rain."
    • Example: “She expressed pity for her brother’s failed exam.”

2. Different Shades of Pity – How it's Used & Connotations

This is where "pity" gets complicated. It can range from genuine compassion to a slightly condescending or dismissive feeling.

  • Genuine Pity (Compassionate): This is the most positive and desirable type of pity. It's rooted in empathy and a sincere desire to help.

    • Example: "Seeing his injured dog, she felt a deep, genuine pity and immediately took him to the vet."
    • Key Words: Compassion, sympathy, understanding, concern

  • Patronizing Pity (Condescending): This is when you feel pity for someone in a way that suggests they are inferior or less capable. It can be quite hurtful.

    • Example: "He offered her pitying words, as if she were foolish for not understanding his financial situation." (Notice the phrasing – “offered her pitying words.”)
    • Key Words: Condescending, superior, dismissive, patronizing, condescending

  • Melancholy Pity (Reflective): This is a more wistful and somber type, often associated with loss or sadness about the way things should be. It’s less about the current hardship and more about a feeling of sadness for a missed opportunity or a sad fate.

    • Example: "A melancholy pity filled her as she looked at the abandoned puppet theatre."
    • Key Words: Wistful, somber, melancholic, regretful

3. Phrases Using “Pity”

  • "Feel pity for someone": “I felt pity for the young boy struggling with his homework.”
  • "Express pity for someone": "She expressed pity for his disastrous wedding."
  • "Show pity for someone": “He showed pity for the struggling artist.”
  • "A feeling of pity": "He was consumed by a feeling of pity for those affected by the earthquake."
  • "Pity is a futile emotion": (This is a more philosophical phrase – suggesting that pity doesn't really do anything to help someone.)

4. Alternatives to "Pity" (Depending on the Nuance You Want to Convey)

  • Sympathy: (General feeling of sorrow and concern) – "I feel sympathy for her loss."
  • Compassion: (Stronger feeling of empathy and desire to help) – “She showed compassion for the victims of the storm.”
  • Concern: (Expressing worry about someone’s well-being) – “I have a deep concern for his health.”
  • Regret: (Feeling sadness about something that has happened) – “I regret her decision.”

5. Things to Avoid

  • Overuse: "Pity" can sound a bit heavy-handed if used too often. Consider if a simpler word like "sympathy" or "concern" would be more appropriate.
  • Using it in a purely negative way: While patronizing pity exists, avoid using "pity" generally to criticize someone's situation. Focus on describing your feeling (compassionate, melancholic, etc.).

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., a conversation, a story, an essay?)
  • What is the specific situation you want to describe? (e.g., someone losing their job, someone struggling with illness, someone facing a difficult personal challenge?)

Synonyms for the word pity

Idioms of the word pity

more’s the pity
(informal)unfortunately
  • ‘Was the bicycle insured?’ ‘No, more's the pity!’

Practice with vocabulary pity

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's a great ______ that we couldn't secure the contract despite our best efforts.
  2. The supervisor felt a pang of ______ for the intern who was struggling with the complex task, offering extra guidance.
  3. The board expressed deep ______ that the project had to be delayed due to unforeseen logistical challenges.
  4. Developing strong ______ for colleagues is crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following phrases best describes showing sorrow or concern for someone's misfortune, often implying a degree of superiority or distance? a) Expressing solidarity b) Feeling pity c) Offering understanding d) Demonstrating empathy

  2. The organization decided to _____ the displaced families by providing temporary shelter and essential supplies. a) ignore b) disregard c) take pity on d) overlook e) show benevolence to

  3. It's a profound _____ that such talent goes unrecognized in our industry due to lack of opportunity. (Select all that apply) a) pity b) misfortune c) shame d) blessing e) delight

  4. Her ability to understand and share the feelings of her team members made her an exceptional leader. This quality is known as: a) Apathy b) Indifference c) Empathy d) Disdain

  5. After the accident, the driver felt intense _____ for the harm caused to the other vehicle, even though no one was injured. (Select all that apply) a) Regret b) Glee c) Remorse d) Joy

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It's unfortunate that the crucial project meeting had to be postponed at the last minute. Rewrite using "pity" or a related word form:

  2. Original: She couldn't help but feel sorry for the struggling startup founder who had invested everything. Rewrite using "pity" or a related word form:

  3. Original: Understanding someone's feelings by putting yourself in their shoes is a vital skill in negotiation. Rewrite without using "pity":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's a great pity that we couldn't secure the contract despite our best efforts.
  2. The supervisor felt a pang of pity for the intern who was struggling with the complex task, offering extra guidance.
  3. The board expressed deep regret that the project had to be delayed due to unforeseen logistical challenges.
  4. Developing strong compassion for colleagues is crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Feeling pity
  2. c) take pity on
  3. a) pity, b) misfortune, c) shame
  4. c) Empathy
  5. a) Regret, c) Remorse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It's a great pity that the crucial project meeting had to be postponed at the last minute.
  2. She took pity on the struggling startup founder who had invested everything.
  3. Developing empathy for someone's position by putting yourself in their shoes is a vital skill in negotiation.

Comment ()