piteous
pronunciation
How to pronounce piteous in British English:
UK [ˈpɪtiəs]
How to pronounce piteous in American English:
US [ˈpɪtiəs]
-
- Adjective:
- deserving or inciting pity
Word Origin
- piteous (adj.)
- c. 1300, from Anglo-French pitous, Old French pitos "pious; merciful, compassionate, moved to pity; pitiful" (12c., Modern French piteux), from Medieval Latin pietosus "merciful, pitiful," in Vulgar Latin "dutiful," from Latin pietas "dutiful conduct, compassion" (see piety). Related: Piteously; piteousness.