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.

A white dog in the backyard near my home barks piteously with no apparent reason but boredom.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2022

The poor creature mewed and yowled so piteously that he could not help feeling sorry for it.

From Washington Post • Aug. 12, 2022

It’s terrifying and, if you can make it past the movie’s heartbreaking early images, most notably of a piteously singed and whimpering koala, you soon understand that your terror is justified.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2021

Rizzio, clinging to the Queen’s dress, piteously cried: “Save my life, Madam! Save my life, for God’s dear sake!”

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2018

All through the day she danced, up and down the meadow and round and round the meadow, with the Red Calf mooing piteously behind her.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers