The article presents the semantic analysis of the word “pity”. It is shown that, in addition to the traditionally distinguished value of prototypical pity denoted by the lexeme “pity”, there exists another meaning of the lexeme under study. The author claims that “pity” denotes a complex feeling in which there are elements of a condescending or contemptuous attitude towards shortcomings, limitations, etc. of the object to which the subject experiences this feeling.