Pitty or Pity: Which Word Is Correct ?

Have you ever typed “I feel pitty for him” and then wondered why spellcheck underlined it? You are not alone

. Many people search for “pitty or pity” because the words look similar, sound the same when spoken fast, and often appear in emotional writing. This confusion is very common among students, English learners, and even native speakers.

The issue is simple but important. Only one of these words is correct in standard English. The other is a common spelling mistake.

When used incorrectly, it can make writing look careless, especially in exams, professional emails, essays, or social media posts meant to sound serious.

.

---

Pitty or Pity – Quick Answer

Pity is the correct word.
Pitty is incorrect in standard English.

Examples:

• I feel pity for the poor family. ✅
• She looked at him with pity. ✅
• I feel pitty for him. ❌

Simple rule:
If you mean sadness or sympathy → use pity

---

The Origin of Pitty or Pity

The word pity comes from Old French pité, which came from Latin pietas, meaning kindness, compassion, or mercy. Over time, English adopted the word to describe a feeling of sympathy for someone’s suffering.

The spelling pity has stayed the same for centuries. The version pitty did not come from history or language change. It is simply a spelling error caused by pronunciation. When people hear the short “i” sound, they often think it needs double “t,” like pretty or little. That assumption leads to the mistake.

So, there is no real spelling difference or evolution here. Pitty is not a correct alternative. Pity is the only standard form.

---

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no difference between British and American English for this word.

Both use:

• Pity ✅
  Both reject:
• Pitty ❌

Comparison Table

Word	British English	American English	Correct
Pity	Pity	Pity	✅ Yes
Pitty	Pitty	Pitty	❌ No

---

Which Spelling Should You Use?

This choice is easy.

• US audience: Use pity
• UK audience: Use pity
• Commonwealth countries: Use pity
• Global audience: Use pity

There is no situation where pitty is correct in standard writing. If you want your writing to look professional and correct, always choose pity.

---

Common Mistakes with Pitty or Pity

❌ I feel pitty for her situation.

✅ I feel pity for her situation.

❌ It’s a pitty that he failed.
✅ It’s a pity that he failed.

❌ Pitty is an alternate spelling.
✅ No. Pitty is a spelling mistake.

Tip:
One “t” is enough. Pity, not pitty.

---

Pitty or Pity in Everyday Examples

Emails:

• It is a pity we could not meet today.

News:

• Many felt pity for the victims of the flood.

Social Media:

• Such a pity this event was canceled.

Formal Writing:

• The report shows pity toward displaced families.

Casual Speech (Written):

• What a pity you missed the show.

---

Pitty or Pity – Google Trends & Usage Data

Google Trends shows that pity is searched and used far more often than pitty. Searches for pitty usually come from people checking spelling or correcting mistakes. High search volume appears in English-learning regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.

In books, news, academic writing, and professional content, pity dominates completely. Pitty appears mostly in typos, informal chats, or incorrect usage.

---

Pitty or Pity Comparison Table

Feature	Pity	Pitty
Correct word	Yes	No
Meaning	Sympathy or sadness	None
Used in exams	Yes	No
Used in formal writing	Yes	No

---

FAQs About Pitty or Pity

1. Is pitty a real English word?
No. It is a common spelling mistake.

2. Which spelling is correct in British English?
Pity is correct.

3. Which spelling is correct in American English?
Pity is correct.

4. Why do people write pitty?
Because of pronunciation confusion.

5. Can pitty ever be correct?
No, not in standard English.

6. Is “It’s a pity” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is very common.

7. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think: one “t” for pity, like city.

learn more:Systemic or Systematic: What’s the Difference ?

---

Conclusion

The confusion between pitty or pity is very common, but the solution is simple. Pity is the correct and only accepted spelling in modern English. It describes a feeling of sympathy, sadness, or compassion toward someone else’s suffering. You will see it in books, news articles, exams, and professional writing.

Pitty, on the other hand, is not a valid spelling. It comes from pronunciation habits and spelling guesses, not from English history or grammar rules. Using it can weaken your writing and create a poor impression, especially in formal or academic contexts.

To write with confidence, always choose pity. Remember the rule: one “t” is enough. Once you fix this habit, your writing will look clearer, more professional, and more accurate every time.