Basic Details
Word: Wretched
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very unhappy, terrible, or in a poor condition.
Synonyms: Miserable, unfortunate, pitiful
Antonyms: Happy, fortunate, splendid
Idioms and Phrases
- Wretched of the earth: Refers to the poorest and most disadvantaged people. Example: "The charity aims to support the wretched of the earth, helping those in desperate need."
- Wretched conditions: Describes a situation or environment that is very poor or uncomfortable. Example: "The animals were kept in wretched conditions before they were rescued."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After losing her favourite toy, she felt absolutely wretched and couldn't stop crying.
Example 2: The wretched weather kept us indoors all weekend, much to our disappointment.
Example 3: The old house was wretched and falling apart, with cracked walls and a leaky roof.
Fun Fact
The word "wretched" comes from the Old English word "wrecca," which means "a banished person" or "outcast." It highlights feelings of misery and unfortunate circumstances.
Famous Quote
"The wretched have no chance to be happy, as they are condemned to live in despair." - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "wretched" mean?
a) Extremely happy
b) Very unhappy or terrible
c) Joyful and carefree
d) Beautiful and lovely
Answer: b) Very unhappy or terrible
2. Which of these is a synonym of "wretched"?
a) Joyful
b) Miserable
c) Fantastic
d) Wonderful
Answer: b) Miserable
3. Which sentence uses "wretched" correctly?
a) She felt wretched when she won the award.
b) They had a wretched time at the amusement park.
c) The child looked wretched when she lost her toy.
d) The wretched painting amazed everyone.
Answer: c) The child looked wretched when she lost her toy.
4. Which idiom means people in unfortunate situations?
a) Wretched of the earth
b) Happy as a lark
c) In a pickle
d) As good as gold
Answer: a) Wretched of the earth
5. What is the opposite of "wretched"?
a) N/A
b) Happy
c) Sad
d) Angry
Answer: b) Happy
