How to pronounce wretched
Say it like RECH-id. Wretched has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RECH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wretched. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RECH
- id
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wretched 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.
- idKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of wretched
American and British speakers say wretched in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛtʃɪd/ in the US and /ˈrɛtʃɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: RECH-id.
What does wretched mean?
- Characterized by or feeling deep affliction or distress; very miserable.“I felt wretched after my wife died.”
- Of an inferior or unworthy nature or social status; contemptible, lowly.“The street was full of wretched beggars dressed in rags.”
- Of an insignificant, mean, or poor nature; miserable, paltry, worthless.“I just lack the fine motor skill. Same reason I'm a grown man who doesn't know how to use a screwdriver without looking like a retard. Oh, I'm wretched.”
Where does wretched come from?
From Middle English wrecched (“(adjective) characterized by or suffering hardship or misfortune, miserable, unfortunate, unhappy; indigent, poor; of low economic or social status, lowly; (noun) miserable person”) [and other forms], from wre
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying wretched
How do you pronounce wretched?
Say RECH-id. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛtʃɪd/. In British English it is /ˈrɛtʃɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wretched?
Wretched has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RECH). Broken into parts: RECH · id.
Do Americans and Brits say wretched the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛtʃɪd/ and the British form is /ˈrɛtʃɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.