n. & v.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. sorrow and compassion aroused by another's condition (felt pity for the child).
2 something to be regretted; grounds for regret (what a pity!; the pity of it is that he didn't mean it).
--v.tr. (-ies, -ied) feel (often contemptuous) pity for (they are to be pitied; I pity you if you think that).
Phrases and idioms:
for pity's sake an exclamation of urgent supplication, anger, etc. more's the pity so much the worse. take pity on feel or act compassionately towards.
Derivatives:
pitying adj. pityingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF pit{eacute} f. L pietas (as PIETY)