Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that arouses pity, sympathy, or compassion: Describes an action or state that is so unfortunate, inadequate, or sad that it evokes a feeling of sorrow or compassion in the observer.
   • In a manner deserving or eliciting contemptuous pity: Can also describe something done in a way that is so weak, poor, or ineffective that it evokes a mix of pity and mild scorn.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The injured bird flapped its wing pitiably. (The bird's action was done in a way that evoked strong sympathy.)
  • He failed pitiably in his attempt to fix the engine. (His attempt was so unsuccessful that it elicited pity or contempt.)
  • The refugees told their story pitiably. (They told it in a manner that deeply aroused compassion.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to emphasize extreme inadequacy or sadness: Often intensifies the description of a negative state or action.
  • The team performed pitiably, losing by a score of 10-0. (The performance was remarkably poor and deserving of pity.)
• Can imply a sense of contempt alongside pity: In some contexts, it suggests the subject is not only pitiful but also somewhat deserving of this state due to weakness or foolishness.
  • He pitiably tried to blame others for his own mistake. (The attempt was both pitiful and contemptible.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pitiable (adjective): Deserving or arousing pity; can also mean contemptibly poor or small.
  • They lived in pitiable conditions.
• Pitiful (adjective): Deserving or arousing pity; often stronger in implying contempt or inadequacy.
  • It was a pitiful amount of food.
• Pity (noun/verb): The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering of others / to feel pity for.
  • I felt great pity for them. / I pity anyone who has to work in that environment.

Synonyms

• Pathetically: In a manner arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness.
• Deplorably: In a wretched or shameful manner (often stronger, with more condemnation).
• Lamentably: In a manner that is regrettable or unfortunate.
• Wretchedly: In a miserable or unhappy state.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• "To cut a pitiably figure": To appear in a state that evokes pity or compassion.
  • After the argument, he cut a pitiably lonely figure sitting by himself.
• "A pitiably small amount": An amount that is so small it is both inadequate and evokes pity.
  • They offered us a pitiably small portion of rice.

Adverb

1. in a manner arousing sympathy and compassion
   • the sick child cried pathetically