arouse pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'arouse pity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something (a situation, person, etc.) has caused a feeling of sorrow or compassion in someone. For example: "The homeless child's plight aroused pity in all those who saw him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They arouse pity, outrage, contempt and despair.

The New York Times

Dedalus is referring to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said that tragedy must arouse pity and terror.

The Guardian - Opinion

His malice is rendered harmless by the knowledge that the monstrous potbellies and bowlegs he draws are not real; real deformities are not comic but arouse pity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aim at pulling the reader along a predetermined path, carefully displaying their effects so as to arouse pity or fear, excitement or depression at the due place and at the right moment.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tragedy, Aristotle wrote, arouses pity – meaning the ability to feel from another's perspective.

The Guardian

Tragedy, Aristotle says, must contain episodes arousing pity and fear so as to achieve a "purification" of these emotions.

Britannica

It's a remarkable piece of music theatre that arouses pity and terror – as classical tragedy always should.

The Guardian - Music

That vulnerability coupled with Lena Headey's bravura turn as the distraught Cersei, desperately scrabbling to save her dying son, aroused pity when least expected.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His capacity for arousing anger may be seen in the opening sentences of the first speech against Catiline and, for arousing pity, in the last page of Pro Milone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's how disgusted I would have felt, but Jackie, because of the metal plate in his head, because you could put a magnet to his temple and it would stay there, aroused pity rather than anger, or at least he did in me.

The New Yorker

Edward Baltram is a powerful tragic hero; he arouses our pity and fear.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with vivid descriptions to enhance its emotional impact. Show, don't just tell, how the subject evokes pity.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse pity" when you intend to convey sympathy. Pity often implies a sense of condescension or distance, while sympathy suggests a shared feeling. Ensure that your word choice accurately reflects the intended emotional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse pity" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the act of causing a feeling of sorrow or compassion. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing tragic events, vulnerable characters, or circumstances that evoke a deep sense of empathy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arouse pity" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of causing a feeling of sorrow or compassion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, serving to evoke empathy and emotional connection in readers. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended emotion, and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "sympathy". Alternatives such as "evoke compassion" or "inspire sympathy" can provide slightly different nuances. Effective use of "arouse pity" can significantly enhance the emotional impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke compassion

Emphasizes the act of bringing forth feelings of compassion, focusing on the positive aspect of the emotion.

inspire sympathy

Highlights the act of creating a sense of shared feeling or understanding, suggesting a more profound connection.

elicit sorrow

Focuses on the extraction of sadness, emphasizing the negative emotional response.

stir compassion

Implies a more active and vigorous instigation of compassionate feelings.

generate empathy

Emphasizes creating understanding and shared feelings.

provoke sympathy

Suggests a more forceful or intentional act of causing sympathetic feelings.

awaken compassion

Highlights the act of rousing compassion from a dormant state.

induce pity

Focuses on the action of causing pity, similar to 'arouse' but may imply a more deliberate attempt.

foster compassion

Implies nurturing and encouraging the growth of compassion over time.

create sympathy

Emphasizes the act of intentionally forming sympathetic feelings in others.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "arouse pity" in a sentence?

Use "arouse pity" to describe circumstances or characters that evoke profound sorrow and compassion. For example, "The abandoned animal's condition aroused pity in the hearts of the volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "arouse pity"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke compassion", "inspire sympathy", or "elicit sorrow depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

What is the difference between "arouse pity" and "gain sympathy"?

"Arouse pity" emphasizes the act of causing pity in others, while "gain sympathy" suggests that someone is the recipient of sympathetic feelings. The former is about the effect one has, and the latter is about what one receives.

Is it always appropriate to try to "arouse pity" in writing?

No, using "arouse pity" can be manipulative or insincere if not handled carefully. Make sure that the emotion is genuinely felt and portrayed, rather than forced or exaggerated, to maintain credibility and emotional resonance.