ruthful
Americanadjective
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compassionate or sorrowful.
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causing or apt to cause sorrow or pity.
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feeling remorse or self-reproach.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ruthful
Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at ruth, -ful
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.
Solskjær’s side are too ruthful in attack and defence, but can offset these weaknesses by dominating opponents in midfield.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 31, 2020
These little books contained, also, concise aphorisms and weighty words of advice like "After dinner rest awhile; after supper run a mile," and "Be vigilant, be truthful and your life will never be ruthful."
From A Son of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin
O that my death would stay these ruthful deeds!—
From King Henry VI, Part 3 by Shakespeare, William
Robin, at the twilight dim, Never let thine evening hymn, Bird of red and ruthful breast, Lend the bishop's Port a zest.
From The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe by Parton, James
Sometimes the skull and other members of the body were seen detached along the road-side or on a stump, having been taken from their peaceful repose by ruthful hands or hungry dogs.
From History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service by Kinnear, John R.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
