What does pity refer to?

Pity refers to a strong feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone else's suffering or misfortune. It embodies the emotional response we have when we witness or hear about the hardships others endure. This sentiment often leads individuals to empathize with those who are in distress and can motivate people to offer help or support to alleviate that pain.

While happiness pertains to feelings of joy for others, and worry relates to unease or concern, neither of these capture the essence of pity. The reference to joy also does not align with the concept of pity, which is characterized by a more somber emotional response focused on the troubles faced by others. Thus, identifying pity as a strong feeling of sadness or sympathy accurately encapsulates its definition and emotional impact.