Dictionary
pitiable
adjective piti·able \ˈpi-tē-ə-bəl\
: deserving pity or sympathy
Full Definition of PITIABLE
1
: deserving or exciting pity : lamentable <pitiable victims>
2
: of a kind to evoke mingled pity and contempt especially because of inadequacy <a pitiable excuse>
— piti·able·ness noun
— piti·ably \-blē\ adverb
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First Known Use of PITIABLE
15th century
Related to PITIABLE
- Synonyms
- cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, contemptible, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched
- Antonyms
- admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Synonym Discussion of PITIABLE
contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.
PITIABLY Defined for Kids
pitiable
adjective piti·able \ˈpi-tē-ə-bəl\
Definition of PITIABLE for Kids
: pitiful
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