ruthful

American  

[rooth-fuhl] / ˈruθ fəl /

adjective

1. compassionate or sorrowful.

2. causing or apt to cause sorrow or pity.

3. feeling remorse or self-reproach.

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ruthful British  

/ ˈruːθfʊl /

adjective

1. archaic full of or causing sorrow or pity

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Other Word Forms

• ruthfully
  adverb
• ruthfulness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of ruthful

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at ruth, -ful

Example Sentences

Say, will to me and you the Ruthful union show * My lords!

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 08 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Say, will to me and you the Ruthful union show, viii.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 10 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Whose just revenge e'en yet is scarcely ceas'd: Ruthful remembrance is yet raw in mind.

From Christmas: Its Origin and Associations Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen Centuries by Dawson, William Francis

Ah! be the Ruthful light to lover fond, * Love-lore, frame      wasted, ready Death to dree!

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 12 [Supplement] by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir