wretch
/retʃ/
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who is in a very unfortunate or miserable state; someone deserving of pity or sympathy. This meaning emphasizes the person's suffering or pitiable condition. 2. A person of bad or despicable character; someone who performs wicked or contemptible deeds. This meaning emphasizes moral reprehensibility.
Usage and Examples
- As a pitiable person:
- The poor wretch had lost everything in the fire.
- She felt like a lonely wretch after her friends left.
- As a contemptible person:
- That wretch stole money from the charity collection.
- "Get out, you wretch!" she shouted at the dishonest salesman.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The word can carry a strong emotional charge, ranging from deep pity to intense scorn, depending on context.
- It is sometimes used in a slightly archaic or literary tone, especially when expressing pity.
- In exclamations, it often directly addresses the person:
Variants and Related Words
- Wretched (adjective):
- In a state of severe distress or misery. They lived in wretched poverty.
- Of poor quality; very bad. The hotel room was in a wretched condition.
- Despicable or contemptible. It was a wretched thing to do.
Synonyms
- For the pitiable sense: poor soul, unfortunate, miserable creature.
- For the contemptible sense: scoundrel, villain, rogue, rascal, miscreant.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- Poor wretch: A common collocation emphasizing pity.
- Miserable wretch: Can intensify either the pitiable or the contemptible sense, depending on context.
Noun
-
someone you feel sorry for
-
performs some wicked deed
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