B2noun 2K

Pity

UK /["/ˈpɪti/"]/ US /["/ˈpɪti/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used to show that you are disappointed about something

Listen to definition

In simple words: Feeling sorry for someone else's trouble or sadness.

Examples

• It is a pity that you couldn't come to the party last night.
• She felt pity for the stray dogs that had no shelter.
• What a pity that the concert was canceled due to the rain!
• He looked at the injured bird with pity in his eyes.
• It's a pity when people waste their talent by not working hard.

Usage notes

Use 'pity' in situations where you sympathize with someone's difficulties. It's neutral but may sound formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

feel + pity + for + object

Memory hint

Think of 'pity' like 'pitiful' - something that causes you to feel sorry.

Collocations

• great
• real
• pity about
• a bit of a pity
• such a pity
• what a pity
• be filled with
• be full of
• feel
• out of pity
• without pity
• pity for
• a feeling of pity
• a sense of pity
• have pity on somebody

Synonyms

• shame

Antonyms

• indifference
• apathy

Common mistakes

• 'Pity' is often confused with 'sympathy' - they are not interchangeable.
• Learners often misuse 'pity' as a verb instead of a noun, e.g., saying 'I pity' instead of 'I feel pity for'.
• It's incorrect to say 'I have pity on' - the correct phrase is 'I have pity for'.