Definition of wretched

The word "wretched" originated from the Old English word "wrécc" which meant "miserable" or "wretched". It was derived from the Old English word "wræccan" which meant "to twist" or "to bend". In Middle English, the word became "wrotche" and then "wretche" in Early Modern English. By the 16th century, the word had taken on its current spelling, "wretched". The word can be traced back to the Old English verb "cwrecan" which meant "to bend or twist". From this root comes the Old English noun "wrécc", which referred to a person who was twisted or bent in some way, often as a result of misfortune or suffering. The original meaning of the word "wretched" was quite literal, referring to a person who was physically twisted or bent. Over time, however, the meaning of the word evolved to also describe a person who was in a state of misery or suffering, regardless of their physical condition. Today, the word "wretched" is still used to describe someone or something that is miserable, unfortunate, or pitiable. Its origins in Old English demonstrate the enduring power of language to evolve and transform over time.