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Pitiable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pitiable

[หˆpษชtiษ™bl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling sympathy or compassion

Deserving or arousing pity; lamentable or sad.

Synonyms

miserable, pathetic, wretched.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pitiable

Used to describe someone or something that deserves sympathy or pity due to their unfortunate circumstances. It is more neutral and does not carry a strong emotional charge.

  • 'The little kitten looked pitiable in the rain
  • ' 'He is in a pitiable state after the accident
  • '
pathetic

Used to describe someone or something that is helplessly inadequate or evokes contempt or pity, usually in a way that suggests they induce sadness or disappointment. Has a negative connotation.

  • 'His performance during the game was pathetic
  • ' 'The begging dog looked pathetic sitting by the roadside
  • '
miserable

Used to describe a person or situation that is extremely unhappy, uncomfortable, or causing deep suffering. Often used for weather, living conditions, or personal emotional states.

  • 'She felt miserable after losing her job
  • ' 'The weather was miserable all week
  • '
wretched

Used to describe someone or something that is in a very poor, unhappy, or unfortunate condition. This word often implies severe suffering, hopelessness, or a miserable state of being.

  • 'The refugees lived in wretched conditions
  • ' 'He felt wretched after hearing the bad news
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Her pitiable situation brought tears to my eyes.
  • The pitiable sight of the starving children touched everyone's hearts.
Context #2 | Adjective

deserving contempt or scorn

Deserving scorn or contempt; contemptible.

Synonyms

contemptible, despicable, shameful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pitiable

Used when describing someone or something that evokes sympathy or sorrow due to unfortunate circumstances.

  • The abandoned puppy looked so pitiable that everyone wanted to help it.
  • It was a pitiable sight to see the old man begging for food.
contemptible

Used to describe someone or something that deserves scorn or disdain because of their actions. Often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • His deceitful behavior made him a contemptible figure in the community.
  • Abandoning his family was a truly contemptible act.
despicable

Describes someone or something that is extremely bad or morally reprehensible, arousing strong disgust or hatred. This word carries a very strong negative connotation.

  • The villain's despicable actions made him universally hated.
  • Stealing from the poor is a despicable crime.
shameful

Used when describing something that causes disgrace or embarrassment, highlighting the idea that it is something to be ashamed of.

  • His shameful failure to stand up for what was right disappointed everyone.
  • Cheating on the exam was a shameful act that he deeply regretted.

Examples of usage

  • I found his pitiable attempts to impress us quite laughable.
  • The pitiable excuses he made only served to anger his boss.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters depicted as pitiable often evoke deep emotional responses from readers, such as in Charles Dickens' works.
  • Tragic heroes in literature display pitiable qualities, making their downfalls more poignant and impactful.
  • The portrayal of pitiable characters can serve as social commentary, highlighting societal injustices and human struggles.

Psychology

  • Pity can be a strong emotional response that triggers empathy, promoting social bonding and altruism.
  • Research shows that feeling pity for others can lead to increased prosocial behavior, such as helping those in need.
  • People often experience a complex interplay of emotions, including pity and guilt, when witnessing suffering.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, characters portrayed in pitiable situations often become the audience's favorites due to their relatable struggles.
  • Reality shows sometimes spotlight pitiable circumstances to evoke viewer sympathy and engagement.
  • Songs frequently address themes of pity, reflecting human experiences that resonate deeply with listeners.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the morality of pity, discussing whether it should inspire action or be seen as patronizing.
  • The concept of pity raises questions about human responsibilityโ€”what obligation do we have to aid those in pitiable situations?
  • Existential philosophies often explore how feelings of pity can provoke reflections on the meaning of suffering and existence.

Origin of 'pitiable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pietabilis,' which means 'worthy of pity.'
  • It is constructed from the root word 'pity,' illustrating a direct link to feelings of sympathy.
  • The term has been in use in the English language since the 14th century, showing long-standing societal awareness of human suffering.

The word 'pitiable' originated from the late Middle English word 'pitiable' or 'piteable', derived from the Old French word 'pitiable', based on the Latin word 'pietatem' (piety, pity). The sense 'deserving contempt or scorn' developed in the 16th century.

See also: pitiful, pity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,435, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.