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[ adjective ] inspiring mixed contempt and pity
Examples "their efforts were pathetic" "pitiable lack of character" "pitiful exhibition of cowardice" Used in print (Charles Wharton Stork, "Verner von Heidenstam"...)After the collapse of that desperate and ill-fated campaign the character of the king degenerated for a time into a futility that was not merely pitiable but often ridiculous . Related terms |
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[ adjective ] deserving or inciting pity
Examples "a hapless victim" "miserable victims of war" "piteous appeals for help" "pitiable homeless children" "a pitiful fate" "couldn't rescue the poor fellow" "his poor distorted limbs" "a wretched life" Related terms |
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