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piteous

adjective
pit·​e·​ous | \ ˈpi-tÄ“-É™s How to pronounce piteous (audio) \

Definition of piteous

: of a kind to move to pity or compassion
Other Words from piteous Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about piteous

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Other Words from piteous

piteously adverb
piteousness noun

Examples of piteous in a Sentence

The child cried out in a piteous voice. a piteous beggar huddled in the doorway of an abandoned building

Recent Examples on the Web

 In roaring luxury markets from Manhattan to San Francisco over the past few years, buyers were a piteous bunch. — Katy Mclaughlin, WSJ, "Agents Face the Return of The Bold Buyer," 6 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'piteous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of piteous

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for piteous

piteous

adjective
How to pronounce piteous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of piteous

literary : deserving or causing feelings of sympathy or pity

See the full definition for piteous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

piteous

adjective
pit·​e·​ous | \ ˈpi-tÄ“-É™s How to pronounce piteous (audio) \

Kids Definition of piteous

: pitiful The dog let out a piteous whine.

Other Words from piteous

piteously adverb groaning piteously

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More from Merriam-Webster on piteous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for piteous

Spanish Central: Translation of piteous

Nglish: Translation of piteous for Spanish Speakers

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