How to pronounce piteous
Say it like PIT-ee-us. Piteous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT).
- PIT
- ee
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Piteous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of piteous
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PIT-ee-us.
What does piteous mean?
- Provoking pity, compassion, or sympathy.
Where does piteous come from?
From Middle English pitous, from Old French piteus, pitus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- heartbreaking
- heartrending
- lamentable
- pathetic
Words that rhyme with piteous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of piteous.
Questions about saying piteous
How do you pronounce piteous?
Say PIT-ee-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪtiəs/. In British English it is /ˈpɪtiəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in piteous?
Piteous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT). Broken into parts: PIT · ee · us.
Is piteous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈpɪtiəs/ (PIT-ee-us).