How to pronounce wretch
Say it like RECH. Wretch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- RECH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wretch pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RECHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of wretch
American and British speakers say wretch in essentially the same way: /rɛtʃ/ in the US and /rɛtʃ/ in the UK.
British respelling: RECH.
What does wretch mean?
- An unhappy, unfortunate, or miserable person.
- An unpleasant, annoying, worthless, or despicable person.
Where does wretch come from?
From Middle English wrecche, from Old English wreċċa (“exile, outcast”), from Proto-Germanic *wrakjô (“exile, fugitive, warrior”), from Proto-Indo-European *wreg- (“to track, follow”).
Words that rhyme with wretch
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of wretch.
Questions about saying wretch
How do you pronounce wretch?
Say RECH. The American pronunciation is /rɛtʃ/. In British English it is /rɛtʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wretch?
Wretch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: RECH.
Do Americans and Brits say wretch the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɛtʃ/ and the British form is /rɛtʃ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.