(pl. -ies)
1
- mass noun the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings and misfortunes of others同情, 怜悯：
her voice was full of pity.
她的声音充满了同情。
2
- in sing. a cause for regret or disappointment可惜, 遗憾：
what a pity we can't be friends.
真遗憾我们不能成为朋友。
(-ies, -ied)with obj.
- feel sorrow for the misfortunes of同情, 怜悯：
Clare didn't know whether to envy or pity them
克莱尔不知道该羡慕还是同情他们
as adj. pitying he gave her a pitying look.他同情地看了她一眼。
短语
for pity's sake
- informal used to express impatience or make an urgent appeal〈非正式〉［表示不耐烦或做急迫的请求］天啊; 发发慈悲吧。
more's the pity
- informal used to express regret about a fact that has just been stated〈非正式〉不幸的是。
take（或have）pity
- show compassion同情, 怜悯：
the old couple took pity on him and gave him food.
这对老夫妇同情他, 给他东西吃。
派生词
pityingly
adverb词源
Middle English （also in the sense 'clemency， mildness'）： from Old French pite 'compassion'， from Latin pietas 'piety'; compare with PIETY.