Max
"sin" vs "pity" Can someone tell me the difference between "sin" and "pity" and give me some examples? Thanks
Mar 4, 2016 8:38 PM
Answers · 3
5
Hi Max, I think you've mistranslated the expression "Che peccato!" In English, we simply don't say "What a sin!" - that suggests someone has deliberately done something very bad, ie. the misfortune has not happened by chance. We use the phrases, "What a pity!" or "What a shame!" to show sympathy.
March 4, 2016
2
Hi, Let me help you out, Sin: violation of some religious or moral principle (law). When you do something against your religious believe. Pity: to feel sorry; to feel compassion. Idioms - to show mercy. I hope this helps.
March 4, 2016
2
I'm not sure if you meant "piety" when you wrote "pity", so I'll give you the meaning for both. Sin: when you do something that is wrong or considered immoral. It's usually used in a religious context, for example, many people consider it a sin to commit adultery (which is when you cheat on a romantic partner) as it goes against their religious beliefs. Pity: usually used when you feel sympathy for someone who has had something bad happen to them. For example, "I really pity her for losing her job". It can also be used to mean "what a shame", for example, "It's a pity that the store closed so early!" Peity: refers to an act which is religious, or other reverant behaviour. The state of being devoutly religious. For example, "The church promotes peity and virtue". I hope that helps! Sorry if my explanations weren't too great.
March 4, 2016
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