profound pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or intense feeling of compassion or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Example: "As she listened to his story of loss, she felt a profound pity for his situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Coupled with this was a profound pity for the outcast and a hatred of dirt, squalor, and suffering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pity the Republican voters.

The New York Times

But I don't know what to say: Bindu Shards is a pleasurably profound work of art and it is a pity to miss it.

The Guardian - Arts

We feel and pity their starving dereliction as, despite the profound challenge to the imaginative contemporary novelist, McCarthy completely achieves this physical and metaphysical hell for us.

The Guardian - Books

The pity is that it could have been a much more profound one.

The Economist

"As people spend so little time reading, it is a pity they perhaps can't read something a bit deeper, a bit more profound, something with a bit of bite to it".

The Guardian - Books

And at a time when rock has grown sodden with earnestness and self-pity, the Pixies' songs sound like a corrective; they're smart, lightheaded, profound and comic, and they rock with a vengeance.

The New York Times - Arts

"Pity, that".

The New York Times

Pity, perhaps.

Independent

PITY California.

The Economist

A pity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound pity" to emphasize the intensity of your compassionate feelings, especially in situations of deep suffering or injustice. It conveys a stronger sense of sorrow and empathy than simply saying "pity".

Common error

Avoid using "profound pity" in everyday situations where simple sympathy or concern would suffice. Its intensity can sound melodramatic or insincere if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound pity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "pity". It expresses a strong emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its role in conveying deep compassion or sorrow.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound pity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a deep and intense feeling of compassion or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its appropriateness in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it finds its place in news articles and encyclopedias, lending itself to more serious and somber contexts. Alternatives like "deep sympathy" or "intense compassion" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It's best to reserve "profound pity" for situations where the depth of emotion is warranted, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Overall, understanding the contexts and implications of "profound pity" ensures its effective and appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sympathy

Emphasizes the emotional connection and understanding of someone's suffering. Differs by focusing on shared feeling rather than sorrow itself.

intense compassion

Highlights the strength and depth of caring for another's well-being, differing in its active desire to alleviate suffering.

acute compassion

Similar to intense compassion but it indicates a sharp, immediate sense of sympathy triggered by another's suffering

deep sorrow

Focuses primarily on the feeling of sadness or grief, omitting the aspect of compassion for someone else.

deep empathy

Focuses on understanding and sharing the feelings of another, rather than necessarily feeling sorrow for their plight.

profound regret

Emphasizes a deep sense of sorrow specifically for one's own actions or inactions, shifting away from feeling pity for others.

great remorse

Indicates deep regret and guilt, shifting the focus from pity for others to self-reproach.

heartfelt regret

Expresses a sincere feeling of sorrow or disappointment, which can be related to but not exclusively about pity.

genuine concern

Implies a caring interest in someone's situation, but lacks the depth of emotional suffering associated with pity.

sincere condolences

Formally expresses sympathy for someone's loss, primarily in situations of death or serious misfortune, limiting its broader applicability.

FAQs

How can I use "profound pity" in a sentence?

You can use "profound pity" to describe a strong feeling of sorrow and compassion for someone's misfortune. For example: "She felt a "profound pity" for the refugees who had lost their homes." or "The story of the orphaned children evoked "profound pity" in everyone who heard it."

What's the difference between "profound pity" and "deep sympathy"?

"Profound pity" emphasizes the sorrow felt for someone's suffering, while "deep sympathy" highlights the understanding and sharing of another's feelings. "Profound pity" is a stronger emotional reaction, while "deep sympathy" focuses on a shared emotional connection.

Are there situations where using "profound pity" might be inappropriate?

Yes, using "profound pity" in trivial or casual situations can sound overly dramatic or insincere. It's best reserved for contexts involving significant suffering or hardship, where the intensity of the emotion is justified.

What are some alternatives to "profound pity" that convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "intense compassion", "deep sorrow", or "heartfelt regret", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The choice depends on the context and the specific emotion you want to emphasize.