Pity

Pity is a word whose meaning is often used in two ways: as sympathy to someone who has experienced loss (showing compassion) or "as a matter of regret." The word originated from Latin, stemming from pius (meaning piety) and pietas (duty). It then went through Old French, and finally through the Middle English word pite. An example of how pity might be used today: It's a pity you cannot attend the party or I pity your family loss. Pity is usually a noun but may sometimes used as a verb when expressing pity as an action.

Source: American Heritage College Dictionary.