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
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 John R. Kinnear
As the rebuffed philanthropist accepted he cast a ruthful glance at the solitary figure on the bench.
From The Sentimental Adventures of Jimmy Bulstrode by Marie Van Vorst
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 Hamlin Garland
And he maketh a ruthful noise and ghastful, when one proffereth to fight with another: and unneth is hurt when he is thrown down off an high place.
From Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus by Robert Steele
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.
