pittance

pit·tance

noun \ˈpi-t^ən(t)s\

Definition of PITTANCE

: a small portion, amount, or allowance; also : a meager wage or remuneration

Examples of PITTANCE

1. <the internship offers only a pittance for a salary, but it is a great opportunity to gain experience>

Origin of PITTANCE

Middle English pitance, from Anglo-French, piety, pity, dole, portion, from Medieval Latin pietantia, from pietant-, pietans, present participle of pietari to be charitable, from Latin pietas piety — more at pity

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PITTANCE

Synonyms: chicken feed [slang], chump change, dime, hay, peanuts, pin money, mite, shoestring, song, two cents

Antonyms: big buck(s), boodle, bundle, fortune, king's ransom, megabuck(s), mint, wad

Related Words: petty cash, pocket money, spending money

Near Antonyms: bankroll, capital, funds, means, wherewithal; opulence, pelf, riches, treasure, wealth; heap, pile, pot; bonanza, mine, treasure trove, treasury

[+]more[-]hide