pittance — a very small or inadequate amount of money paid as a salary or wage
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a very small or inadequate amount of money paid as a salary or wage
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɪtəns/
Example Sentences
- Despite having a PhD, she was offered only a pittance for the research position.
- My allowance is such a pittance that I can't even afford bubble gum.
- The billionaire's 'generous' donation was just a pittance compared to his wealth.
pittance
NOUN[/ˈpɪtəns/]
a very small or inadequate amount of money paid as a salary or wage
After a full month of hard labor, he received only a pittance in his envelope.
He gave his dance a chance, but earned just a pittance.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English pittance, derived from Old French pittance, which comes from Medieval Latin pittantia meaning 'a portion of food' or 'allowance,' related to the Latin pieta meaning 'pity' or 'devotion,' as such portions were originally charitable gifts.
Breakdown
pitt- (from Latin pieta, pity/portion) + -ance (noun suffix indicating a state or quality) = pittance (a small allowance or meager amount)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite having a PhD, she was offered only a pittance for the research position.”
“My allowance is such a pittance that I can't even afford bubble gum.”
“The billionaire's 'generous' donation was just a pittance compared to his wealth.”
“He complained that the parking fine was highway robbery, but it was just a pittance.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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