piteous
UK: ˈpɪtiəs | US: ˈpɪtiəs
adj. evoking or deserving pity; sorrowful
adj. excessively sentimental; mawkish
The word piteous emerged in Middle English (14th century) by combining pit (a shortened form of pity) with the suffix -eous, which transforms nouns into adjectives. The Latin root pietas originally conveyed duty or devotion but evolved to emphasize compassion in Old French. Over time, piteous came to describe things that evoke sorrow or excessive sentimentality, reflecting its emotional core.
The orphan’s piteous cries moved the villagers to tears.
She gave him a piteous look, hoping to sway his decision.
The film’s piteous ending left the audience in silence.
His piteous attempts to apologize were met with indifference.
The wounded animal let out a piteous whimper.