pity crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue 'pity crossword clue', carefully organized by their letter count. Whether you're looking for a quick hint or a full explanation, we've got you covered to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pity crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUE: To feel sorrow or regret for, often relating to a past event or decision.
5 Letters
MERCY: Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; forbearance.
6 Letters
REGRET: A feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.
8 Letters
SYMPATHY: Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
10 Letters
COMPASSION: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
More About "pity crossword clue"
Pity is a complex emotion, often appearing in crosswords as a clue for synonyms like 'rue', 'mercy', or 'compassion'. Crossword setters frequently use such emotional terms to test a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to discern nuances between similar concepts. The clue 'pity' can sometimes refer to the feeling itself, or an action taken out of that feeling, or even a regrettable situation.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for 'pity' is key. For example, 'rue' implies a personal regret, while 'mercy' often involves forgiveness or leniency extended to others. 'Compassion' suggests a deeper, active understanding and desire to alleviate suffering. When tackling such clues, consider the context of other intersecting words and the puzzle's theme to pinpoint the precise synonym.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the other intersecting words. They provide crucial letters that can narrow down possibilities for "pity" answers like RUE or MERCY.
- Word Length Matters: Use the provided answer lengths as your primary filter. A 3-letter answer like RUE is very different from a 10-letter answer like COMPASSION.
- Synonym Nuances: Pity has many synonyms, each with slightly different connotations. Think about if the clue implies personal regret (RUE), compassion for others (SYMPATHY, COMPASSION), or a less common meaning like a shame or a disappointment.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the shortest possible answer for 'pity'?
The shortest common answer for 'pity' in crosswords is often "RUE," which has three letters. Other short answers could include "AWE" depending on the context.
How can I distinguish between 'pity' and 'compassion' in a crossword?
While related, 'pity' often implies a feeling of sorrow for someone's misfortune, sometimes with a sense of distance. 'Compassion' suggests a stronger, more active empathy and a desire to help alleviate suffering. The letter count will also be a major differentiator, with 'compassion' being much longer.
Are there any less obvious synonyms for 'pity' used in crosswords?
Yes, sometimes less common synonyms appear, such as "CLEMENCY" (leniency or mercy) or "COMMISERATION" (expression of sympathy or pity). Always be prepared for a wide range of vocabulary.