pittance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pittance Word Meanings
- a very small or inadequate amount of money
- a meager wage or salary
- an insignificant gift or donation
pittance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pittance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpɪt.əns/
US
/ˈpɪt.əns/
pittance Word Etymology
The word 'pittance' breaks down into 'pit-' (from 'pietas' meaning 'piety, devotion') and '-ance' (a suffix forming nouns). It originated from Old French 'pietance' (meaning 'a small allowance for food') evolving into English. To remember 'pittance', visualize a small coin representing minimal support offered with piety or compassion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Pittance is a noun describing a money amount that is far from enough, often a token wage or a minimal donation. It carries a sense of insufficiency and sometimes injustice, especially when work or support fails to meet basic needs. You might hear that a worker earns a pittance in a low‑paid industry, or that a grant is a pittance compared with the project’s costs. The word highlights not just smallness but a frustrating sense of unfairness. Use pittance to criticize wages, stipends, or gifts that feel stingy and inadequate in practical situations.
Usage Reminders
- Reminders: 1) conveys insufficiency, not just small money. 2) Often used with wages, stipends, or donations. 3) Negative, criticizes pay or aid. 4) Common with verbs: earn a pittance; live on a pittance. 5) Not used for generous gifts or large grants.
Common Misconceptions
- It means only 'a little money' and has no stronger emotional charge.
- It can be used for any small amount, including affectionate gifts.
- It refers to one-off sums, not ongoing pay or support.
- It is neutral in tone when describing wages.
- It is interchangeable with 'meager' in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: pittance is not merely 'a little money' but a charged term stressing insufficiency and a sense of unfairness in pay or gifts.
Learning Tips
- Use with verbs like earn a pittance or live on a pittance to express insufficiency.
- Pair with negative contexts to critique wages or donations.
- Note the emotional tone; it is rarely neutral.
- Compare with 'meager' or 'modest' to notice nuance.
- Practice in editorials or opinion pieces about pay.
- Remember common collocations: 'earn a pittance', 'live on a pittance'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'pittance'?
A.A tall building
B.A small amount
C.A fast pace
D.A large quantity
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'pittance' used correctly?
A.She ate a pittance of pizza.
B.The dog ran with a pittance.
C.He received a pittance for his hard work.
D.I have a pittance in my bag.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'pittance'?
A.Abundance
B.Mere
C.Scarcity
D.Plenty
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym of 'pittance'?
A.Wealth
B.Adequate
C.Sufficient
D.Satisfactory
Step 5: Mastery
In real life, when might someone receive a pittance as payment?
A.For winning a competition
B.For working overtime
C.For selling a house
D.For donating to charity
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