Meaning & use
piteous
Last updated
deserving or arousing pity, often because of suffering or a wretched state.
See it in a sentence
The piteous cries of the stray kitten drew a small crowd.
He gave a piteous excuse for missing the deadline.
A note on using this word
Piteous describes something that evokes sympathy, while the similar word 'pitiable' can carry more contempt — the distinction is subtle but real.
Words with a similar meaning
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