crossword clue pity – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "pity", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. We've got answers for all lengths, ensuring you find the perfect fit.
Solutions for "crossword clue pity" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUE: To bitterly regret; often implies a feeling of sorrow or self-pity.
4 Letters
PITY: The direct answer, referring to the feeling of compassion or sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
MOAN: To make a low mournful sound, often expressing pain or sorrow, which can be related to pity or distress.
6 Letters
SORROW: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune, often evoked by or linked to pity.
8 Letters
SYMPATHY: Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune, a close synonym for pity.
10 Letters
COMPASSION: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, a strong and often deeper form of pity.
More About "crossword clue pity"
The concept of "pity" is a rich source for crossword clues, as it encompasses a range of emotions and actions. Beyond its primary meaning of feeling sorrow for someone else, it can extend to regret, commiseration, or even a sense of shared human suffering. Crossword setters often play on these nuances, using synonyms that touch upon different facets of this complex emotion.
Understanding the context of the clue is vital when "pity" appears. Is it asking for the emotion itself, an action stemming from it, or a state that evokes it? For instance, a clue like "Feel sorrow for" directly leads to 'PITY' or 'RUE', while "Display compassion" might lean towards 'SYMPATHY' or 'COMPASSION'. Paying attention to the exact phrasing and the number of letters required will guide you to the correct solution.
Furthermore, 'pity' can sometimes be used in a negative or condescending sense, such as "a feeling of contemptuous pity." While less common in standard crosswords, being aware of these subtle variations can help in more challenging puzzles where setters might try to mislead with a less obvious definition.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: If the clue is "pity" and you have 3 letters, 'RUE' is a strong candidate. If it's 10 letters, think 'COMPASSION'. The letter count is often your most reliable guide.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues frequently use synonyms. For "pity," think about words that mean 'sorrow', 'compassion', 'regret', or even their opposites if the clue is framed as such.
- Look for Part-of-Speech Clues: Is the clue asking for a noun (the feeling of pity), a verb (to pity someone), or an adjective (pitiful)? This can significantly narrow down potential answers.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a tough clue in isolation. Once you have a few crossing letters from other answers, filling in the blanks for "pity" becomes much easier and more certain.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pity' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'pity' often refers to the feeling of compassion, sorrow, or sympathy for someone else's suffering. Clues might also refer to the act of showing pity, or a state that evokes pity, leading to answers like 'rue', 'moan', or 'sorrow'.
Are there common synonyms for 'pity' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'pity' frequently used in crosswords include 'rue' (to feel sorrow for), 'moan' (to express distress, often out of pity), 'sorrow', 'compassion', 'sympathy', 'regret', and sometimes 'clemency' (mercy due to pity).
How can I distinguish between 'pity' and 'sympathy' in a crossword clue?
While 'pity' and 'sympathy' are often interchangeable in everyday language and crosswords, subtle differences can exist. 'Pity' sometimes implies a slight feeling of condescension, while 'sympathy' suggests a more equal understanding of feelings. However, for crossword purposes, they are frequently used as direct synonyms, so context and letter count are key to differentiation.