Pitiful

usgb/ˈpɪtɪfl/Volume
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LampPro Tip 1/3
Emotional ChargePlay
'Pitiful' often carries a strong emotional weight and suggests empathy or sympathy from the speaker. SlideThe child's pitiful wailing after losing her toy made everyone in the room sad.
LampPro Tip 2/3
Not Always NegativePlay
Although commonly negative, 'pitiful' can be neutral when referring to something that merely invokes pity. SlideHer voice was so pitiful that I gave her the last piece of my cake.
LampPro Tip 3/3
Enhancing DescriptorsPlay
Use with additional descriptors to emphasize the extent of pity, such as 'truly pitiful' or 'somewhat pitiful.' SlideThe injured puppy’s truly pitiful limping prompted passersby to help.