Piteously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
piteously
[หpษชt.i.ษs.li ]
Definition
manner of action
In a manner that arouses pity; with great sorrow or compassion. It describes an action performed in a way that evokes feelings of sympathy or concern for someoneโs suffering.
Synonyms
compassionately, mournfully, pitifully, sorrowfully.
Examples of usage
- She looked at him piteously when he lost the game.
- The dog howled piteously after being abandoned.
- He piteously begged for another chance.
- The child cried piteously for her lost toy.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters act piteously during moments of loss, evoking sympathy from readers.
- Shakespeare often used words akin to 'piteously' to enhance emotional depth in charactersโ plights, such as in tragedies like 'Hamlet'.
- The depiction of piteous scenes in poetry is a common theme, where poets illustrate human suffering to connect with readers' emotions.
Psychology
- Feeling pity can trigger a strong emotional response, often leading to altruistic behavior in individuals.
- Empathy, closely related to feelings of pity, is crucial for building relationships and understanding others' emotions.
- Psychological studies show that when witnessing piteous situations, people often feel a sense of urgency to help or provide support.
Film and Media
- Piteous character portrayals in films often lead to catharsis, allowing audiences to experience and release emotions.
- Many documentaries highlight piteous conditions to urge viewers to contribute to social causes and charity.
- In animation and childrenโs movies, characters often end up in piteous situations to teach lessons about kindness and empathy.
Origin of 'piteously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'piteus', which means 'full of pity'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, showing a long-standing connection to empathy.
- Its root, the Latin 'pietas', reflects feelings of duty and compassion, relating to both family and social responsibilities.
The word 'piteously' stems from the Middle French 'piteux', which means 'pitiable'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'pietas', meaning 'pity' or 'compassion'. The suffix '-ly' indicates that it is an adverb, modifying how an action is performed. The evolution of the word reflects the deep emotional resonance associated with pity and compassion throughout history. In literature and speech, 'piteously' has often been used to enhance the emotional impact of a narrative or plea, highlighting moments of sorrow and deep vulnerability. This usage has been prevalent in poetry and dramatic works, underscoring its significance in evoking sympathy from the audience.