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Definition of piteous

piteous

/ˈpɪtiəs/
pit · e · ous
Adverb:piteously
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piteous Lexical Profile

piteous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Deserving or arousing pity and compassion, especially through a sorrowful appearance or expression of suffering.

Example

"The stray dog let out a piteous whimper as it sought shelter from the freezing rain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for piteous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for piteous

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'piteous', 'pitiful', and 'pitiable' all mean deserving of pity, 'piteous' specifically emphasizes the sorrowful appearance or sound of suffering without carrying the contemptuous connotation of inadequacy that 'pitiful' often has.

• Rhymes for piteous

• Nearby Words

pitchside
pitchwoman
pitchy
piteous
piteously
pitfall
pith

Word Origin & Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-Norman French piteus, from Medieval Latin pietosus ('dutiful, merciful, pitiful'), ultimately from Latin pietas ('piety, compassion').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Piteous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/piteous
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