“Wretch” is a noun that refers to a very unhappy or unfortunate person, or someone who is despicable or contemptible. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Miser
- Meaning: A “miser” is a person who is extremely stingy and hoards wealth, often to the point of self - deprivation and unhappiness. In the sense of an unhappy person, it's similar to a “wretch” because misers are usually so focused on their possessions and not spending that they lead a rather joyless existence. For example, “The old miser lived alone in a cold, dark house, counting his gold coins.” However, a “miser” doesn't necessarily carry the connotation of being a generally despicable person like “wretch” can in some contexts.
- Example: “The town's miser was known for his refusal to donate to any charity, no matter how worthy.”
2. Victim
- Meaning: A “victim” is someone who suffers harm, misfortune, or hardship. In a way, it's related to the sense of a “wretch” as an unhappy or unfortunate person. For example, “The flood victims were in a pitiable state, having lost their homes and possessions.” But a “victim” doesn't have the negative moral connotation that a “wretch” can have when it means a despicable person. A victim is usually seen as someone who has had something bad done to them.
- Example: “The crime victim was left traumatized by the violent attack.”
3. Scoundrel
- Meaning: A “scoundrel” is a dishonest and unprincipled person. This is more in line with the sense of “wretch” when it means a contemptible individual. For example, “The scoundrel cheated his business partners out of their fair share of the profits.” In contrast to the more pitiful aspects of a “wretch,” a “scoundrel” emphasizes the immoral and untrustworthy behavior.
- Example: “The street - smart scoundrel was always looking for a way to swindle the unsuspecting passers - by.”
4. Outcast
- Meaning: An “outcast” is a person who has been rejected or excluded from society. This is related to the unhappy and unfortunate sense of a “wretch.” For example, “The social outcast lived on the fringes of the village, shunned by the other villagers.” While an outcast may not always be seen as despicable like a “wretch” can be, they often lead a difficult and lonely life similar to the pitiable side of the “wretch” meaning.
- Example: “The leper was treated as an outcast, forced to live away from the healthy population.”