wretch·ed  (r ĕch ĭd)
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adj. wretch·ed·er, wretch·ed·est 1. In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable: "the wretched prisoners huddling in the stinking cages" (George Orwell). 2. Characterized by or attended with misery or woe: a wretched life. 3. Of a poor or mean character; dismal: a wretched building. 4. Contemptible; despicable: wretched treatment of the patients. 5. Of very inferior quality: wretched prose.
[Middle English wrecched, from wrecche, wretch; see WRETCH.]
wretched·ly adv. wretched·ness n. |
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Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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