pitiableness
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality of being pitiable: "pitiableness" refers to the state or condition of arousing pity, compassion, or sympathy due to suffering, weakness, or misfortune.
- Deserving of contempt: In some contexts, "pitiableness" can also indicate a quality that inspires scorn or disdain, as something considered mean, contemptible, or miserably inadequate.
Usage Examples
- (The quality of his suffering aroused deep pity.)
- (Her condition was obviously deserving of sympathy.)
- (The film's contemptible quality was scorned.)
Advanced Usage
"a state of pitiableness": a condition that evokes pity.
- The orphanage was in a state of such pitiableness that donors rushed to help. (The condition was so pitiful that immediate aid was given.)
"pitiableness of spirit": a quality of being weak or pathetic in character.
- His pitiableness of spirit made him unable to stand up for himself. (His weak and pitiful nature prevented self-advocacy.)
Variants and Related Words
Pitiable (adj): deserving pity or contempt.
- The pitiable beggar sat alone in the rain. (The beggar was worthy of pity.)
Pitiably (adv): in a manner that arouses pity.
- She cried pitiably when her pet died. (She cried in a way that evoked sympathy.)
Pity (n): a feeling of sorrow for another's suffering.
- He felt great pity for the injured bird. (He experienced compassion.)
Synonyms
- Pathos: a quality that evokes pity or sadness.
- Miserableness: a state of extreme unhappiness or wretchedness.
- Contemptibleness: the quality of being deserving of scorn.
Related Idioms
"A pitiable sight": something that looks sad or wretched.
- The abandoned puppy was a pitiable sight, shivering in the cold. (The puppy looked very sad and deserving of help.)
"Pitiful excuse": a poor or inadequate justification.
- His pitiableness was clear when he offered a pitiful excuse for his failure. (His weak excuse showed his contemptible quality.)