Dictionary

pityingly en · ADV

Etymology

Etymology tree English pitying Middle English -ly English -ly English pityingly From pitying + -ly.

Meanings

1. In a pitying manner.
   • Ursula knew that Palmer had been astir at dawn, but not to attend to his usual duties, for she pityingly had freed the thirsty, uncared for sheep; many of these were now bogged in the various water-holes along the river. 1907, Barbara Baynton, edited by Sally Krimmer and Alan Lawson, Human Toll (Portable Australian Authors: Barbara Baynton), St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, published 1980, page 273:
   • The lady in the mirror gazed at the lady in the room, reproachfully at first, then — for were they not sisters? — relentingly, then pityingly. 1911, Max Beerbohm, Zuleika Dobson:

Forms