Wretch: meaning, definitions and examples
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wretch
[ retʃ ]
pitiful creature
A wretch is a pitiful creature, someone who is in a very unfortunate or miserable situation. It can also refer to a person who is despicable or contemptible.
Synonyms
despicable, miserable, unfortunate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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wretch |
This term can describe someone in a pitiable, miserable condition or someone behaving in a morally bad way. It often evokes sympathy or disdain.
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miserable |
This word describes a state of great unhappiness or discomfort. It is often used to express empathy or describe a very unpleasant situation.
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unfortunate |
This term refers to someone who is experiencing bad luck or unlucky circumstances. It can evoke empathy and concern.
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despicable |
This is used for someone or something that deserves strong condemnation and contempt. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was a wretch, begging on the streets for food.
- She felt like a wretch after betraying her best friend's trust.
insulting term
In a more informal context, wretch can be used as an insulting term to describe someone in a derogatory manner.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
wretch |
Used to describe a person who is in a very unfortunate or miserable condition. It can also imply someone who is pitiable or deserving of compassion.
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scoundrel |
Refers to a person who behaves dishonestly or unfairly. It often has a negative connotation and indicates a lack of moral integrity.
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rascal |
Typically used in a light-hearted or affectionate way to refer to someone who is mischievous or playful but not really harmful.
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villain |
Used to describe someone who is evil or wicked, often in a dramatic or exaggerated way. Commonly used in stories, movies, and plays to indicate the main antagonist.
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Examples of usage
- Don't listen to him, he's just a wretch trying to bring you down.
Translations
Translations of the word "wretch" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desgraçado
🇮🇳 दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण
🇩🇪 Elend
🇮🇩 orang malang
🇺🇦 негідник
🇵🇱 nieszczęśnik
🇯🇵 哀れな人
🇫🇷 misérable
🇪🇸 desdichado
🇹🇷 zavallı
🇰🇷 불쌍한 사람
🇸🇦 بائس
🇨🇿 ubožák
🇸🇰 úbožiak
🇨🇳 可怜人
🇸🇮 ubožec
🇮🇸 vesalingur
🇰🇿 бейшара
🇬🇪 საწყალი
🇦🇿 bikəs
🇲🇽 desdichado
Etymology
The word 'wretch' originated from Middle English 'wrecche', which in turn came from Old English 'wræcca', meaning an exile or an outcast. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a pitiful or despicable person. The use of 'wretch' as an insulting term became more common in informal language.
See also: wretched.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,359, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 14356 dangling
- 14357 subtitle
- 14358 overhaul
- 14359 wretch
- 14360 proficient
- 14361 nested
- 14362 insecticide
- ...