Pity: meaning, definitions and examples

Pity is often used when feeling sorrow for someone else's suffering or misfortune, but from a distance. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation as it may imply a sense of superiority or condescension.

• "I felt pity for the homeless man on the street
• " "She looked at him with pity after hearing about his accident
• "

Sympathy is used to express concern for someone's misfortune, generally from a supportive stance rather than a condescending one. It implies understanding and care without necessarily having experienced the same situation.

• "She sent her sympathy to the grieving family
• " "He expressed his sympathy in a heartfelt letter
• "

Compassion involves a deeper, more active and genuine form of sympathy where there is a strong desire to help the person suffering. It's used in situations where real concern and an urge to alleviate suffering are present.

• "His compassion for the sick inspired him to become a doctor
• " "She showed great compassion to the victims of the disaster
• "

Empathy is used when someone is able to understand and share the feelings of another person, often because they have experienced something similar themselves. It’s about putting oneself in another's shoes.

• "Her empathy made her a great counselor
• " "He felt empathy for his friend who was going through a tough time
• "

Used when you feel sadness or sorrow for someone's unfortunate situation, often with a sense of superiority.

• I couldn't help but pity him after hearing about his loss.
• She looked at the stray dog with pity in her eyes.

Used when you understand and share another person's feelings, often related to their distress or misfortune.

• I sympathize with your situation, having gone through something similar myself.
• Many people sympathized with her after the tragic event.

Used when you share in someone's sorrow or disappointment, often expressing mutual empathy.

• After the breakup, her friends gathered to commiserate with her.
• We commiserated over our bad luck with the weather.

Used in informal settings to express empathy or sadness for someone's misfortune.

• I feel sorry for children who don't have a place to call home.
• You can't help but feel sorry for him after all he's been through.