pity
noun
sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid or to show mercy.
have pitied
-
present perfectof pity.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Admittedly, I might have pitied him, as he stammered in front of his peers.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 20, 2023
He recently moved from Michigan to Arizona, and though the world may have pitied his decline, he never gave it much thought.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2016
He would have pitied a man who resorts to petty skulking.
From Slate ● Apr. 22, 2013
The sight of her success, however, rather hardened his heart; he might have pitied her if she had “muffed” it, as they said, but he just sensibly resented her heavy scoring.
From Lady Barbarina The Siege of London, An International Episode and Other Tales by Henry James
Hard times just then for John Harris; and for some weeks he went about his daily duties with such a divided mind and troubled spirit that the stoniest heart might have pitied him.
From Silver Pitchers: and Independence A Centennial Love Story by Louisa May Alcott
