Pronunciation

/pɪt/

Definitions

Noun

1. A hole or depression in the ground: The children dug a pit in the backyard. (noun, excavation)
2. A low area or depression in a surface: A pit stop for racecars. (noun, sports)
3. A place of imprisonment: He was sentenced to serve time in prison, down in the bowels of that dark pit. (noun, penal)
4. A feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction: She sank into a deep emotional pit after the breakup. (noun, metaphorical)
5. A trap or snare: The fox fell into a hunter’s pit. (noun, trap)

Verb

1. To dig a hole or hollow: They decided to pit themselves against each other in a friendly competition. (verb, competition)
2. To bury or enclose something in a pit: They pitted the old artifacts in a secure storage facility. (verb, preservation)
3. To expose to a disadvantage or challenge: He pitted his best player against the rival team. (verb, competition)
4. To place in a difficult situation: Her parents pitted her against her siblings for attention. (verb, interpersonal)

Adjective

1. Very low or deep: The pit’s bottom was almost out of sight. (adjective, depth)
2. Marked by suffering or distress: Pitiful conditions for the animals in the zoo. (adjective, compassion)
3. Characterized by rivalry or conflict: The pitiless rivalry between the two companies. (adjective, hostility)

Phrases

• “Pit of despair”
• “Sink into a pit of self-pity”
• “The mine pit”
• “Pit stop for cars”
• “Put someone in a competitive pit”

Example Sentences

• Noun: The archaeologists found ancient artifacts buried in a deep pit.
• Verb: He pitted his new invention against his competitor’s product.
• Adjective: The dog’s eyes were filled with a pitiful expression.

Synonyms

• Hole
• Abyss
• Sinkhole -阱
• Pitfall
• Quagmire
• Depths
• Abyssal
• Desolate