Save Gender Feminine Usage English (Puritan, Rare) Pronounced Pron. /ˈpɪ.ti/ [key·simplify] Meaning & History From the English word meaning "the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others", which is a cognate of Piety, ultimately from Latin pietas "piety" (via Old French pite "compassion"; also compare Pietas).