Old English wrecca "wretch, stranger, exile," from Proto-Germanic *wrakjon "pursuer; one pursued" (cognates: Old Saxon wrekkio, Old High German reckeo "a banished person, exile," German recke "renowned warrior, hero"), related to Old English wreccan "to drive out, punish" (see wreak). "The contrast in the development of the meaning in Eng. and German is remarkable" [OED]. Sense of "vile, despicable person" developed in Old English, reflecting the sorry state of the outcast, as presented in Anglo-Saxon verse (such as "The Wanderer"). Compare German Elend "misery," from Old High German elilenti "sojourn in a foreign land, exile."
雙語例句
1. Before the poor wretch had time to speak, he was shot.
這個可憐的人還沒來得及開口就中了槍。
來自柯林斯例句
2. Oh, what have you done, you wretch!
噢，你都干了些什么，你這個混蛋！
來自柯林斯例句
3. You are really an ungrateful wretch to complain instead of thanking him.
你不但不謝他,還埋怨他,真不知好歹.
來自《現(xiàn)代漢英綜合大詞典》
4. The miserable wretch lost his all.
這個賤骨頭失去了他的一切.
來自《現(xiàn)代漢英綜合大詞典》
5. What would she do about that ? The confounded wretch!