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Pitiless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pitiless

[ˈpɪtɪlɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

lack of mercy

Showing no pity or compassion; merciless.

Synonyms

cruel, heartless, merciless, ruthless.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his pitiless treatment of his enemies.
  • The pitiless dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
  • The pitiless killer showed no remorse for his actions.
Context #2 | Adjective

harsh or unforgiving

Without compassion or kindness; unrelenting.

Synonyms

harsh, relentless, severe, unforgiving.

Examples of usage

  • The pitiless winter storm left many people stranded without shelter.
  • Her pitiless criticism of his work left him feeling discouraged.
  • The pitiless terrain made it difficult for the hikers to make progress.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, pitiless characters often play the role of antagonists, creating conflict by showing no mercy to the protagonist.
  • A famous example is Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' who is described as pitiless for her relentless ambition.

Psychology

  • Individuals described as pitiless may struggle with empathy, making it difficult for them to connect emotionally with others.
  • Research shows that a lack of compassion can be linked to certain personality traits, such as narcissism or antisocial behavior.

Pop Culture

  • The character of Voldemort in the 'Harry Potter' series is often portrayed as pitiless, committing acts of violence without regret.
  • In the world of video games, bosses who are deemed pitiless often challenge players to navigate difficult moral choices.

History

  • Throughout history, numerous leaders have been labeled as pitiless due to their ruthless decisions during times of war.
  • The term often surfaces in discussions of historical figures whose actions resulted in suffering without remorse, highlighting the dark side of power.

Origin of 'pitiless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'pitiless,' where 'pitiful' meant deserving pity, and the prefix 'less' means without.
  • It evolved from the broader idea of compassion, fading as the meaning shifted towards a harsher tone.

The word 'pitiless' originated from the combination of 'pite' which means 'pity' and the suffix '-less' which means 'without'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The term reflects the idea of lacking pity or compassion, emphasizing a cold and unfeeling attitude towards others.

See also: pitilessly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,107, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.