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Definition of pitiable - 2 dictionary results

pit⋅i⋅a⋅ble

  [pit-ee-uh-buhl]
Use pitiable in a Sentence
–adjective
1. evoking or deserving pity; lamentable: pitiable, homeless children.
2. evoking or deserving contemptuous pity; miserable; contemptible: a pitiable lack of character.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME < OF piteable, equiv. to pite(er) to pity + -able -able

Related forms:
pit⋅i⋅a⋅ble⋅ness, noun
pit⋅i⋅a⋅bly, adverb

Synonyms:
1, 2. See pitiful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pitiable
pit·i·a·ble   (pĭt'ē-ə-bəl)   
adj.  

  1. Arousing or deserving of pity or compassion; lamentable.

  2. Arousing disdainful pity. See Synonyms at pathetic.

pit'i·a·ble·ness n., pit'i·a·bly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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