How to pronounce pitiful
Say it like PIT-uh-ful. Pitiful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈpɪtəfəl/PIT-uh-ful
UK British/ˈpɪtɪfəl/PIT-ih-ful
- PIT
- uh
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pitiful 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pitiful
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PIT-ih-ful.
What does pitiful mean?
adjective
- So appalling or sad that one feels or should feel sorry for it; eliciting pity.“Scotland has a pitiful climate.”
- Eliciting contempt.
- Of an amount or number: very small.“A pitiful number of students bothered to turn up.”
Where does pitiful come from?
From Middle English pityful, piteful, piteeful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pitiful
How do you pronounce pitiful?
Say PIT-uh-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪtəfəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɪtɪfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pitiful?
Pitiful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT). Broken into parts: PIT · uh · ful.
Is pitiful 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 /ˈpɪtɪfəl/ (PIT-ih-ful).