We have an interesting topic. And, above all, the fact that many, according to their modern ideas, can endow the word with a different meaning than it originally had. In order not to get lost in the diversity of opinions, there are dictionaries and other wise books. We will analyze the word "wretched". It will be entertaining.
Origin
It is believed that a wretched person is a person whom God has warmed on his broad chest. In this case, we cannot give a link to the source, because this is a rumor, the basis of which is the modern meaning of the words. But, apparently, the guilt of he althy people in front of the sick or of the rich in front of the poor plays a role here. And I want to say to those who are not so lucky: “Yes, you don’t have something, but God is with you.” It is difficult to say how such consolation works. Probably, it only works on those who try to calm themselves in this way.
The etymological dictionary does not set itself such a task, but, nevertheless, it voluntarily or involuntarily breaks illusions. This source contains the following information:the word God once meant "we alth". "U" symbolizes the negation of the attribute. That is, the original meaning of the word "wretched" is "devoid of we alth." And then, as you can understand, variations on the theme are possible. Either this is a poor person, or it is a weak, sick person. In any case, an explanatory dictionary will help us to clarify the meaning.
Meaning
Despite the outdated veneer, the general meaning of the word "wretched" is clear to everyone. True, in everyday speech it is given a slightly different meaning than the one enshrined in the dictionary, although the deviations are insignificant. For example, we can call the situation in an apartment or house that we do not like poor, but it may not have anything to do with poverty. We can call someone's taste poor. All this will be a free interpretation, which is related to the dictionary meaning, but only indirectly.
In order not to make such mistakes (although, in principle, they are permissible), let's look at the official meaning of the object of study:
- Extremely poor, beggarly.
- Weak, crippled, pitiful looking.
As you can see, the word has no connection with beauty. These are the latest developments. But we will not say that the wretched is the only way, and nothing else. If meanings remain in the language, then they have the right to exist. Moreover, one can always twist and connect the aesthetic preferences of a person with the financial situation of another.
Unclear, right? One person finds something ugly because he thinks it is too poor. For example, we say "wretched clothes" and make it clear that we do not like them, when in fact it is a matter of price. If such a “critic” were told that this is the latest squeak of Milanese fashion, and the outfit itself was bought in Italy, he would immediately find some undoubted advantages of appearance. This topic gives rise to other interesting conclusions, but we will leave them aside, because this is not the time and place. But it is worth saying that the use of the adjective "wretched" is an excellent rapid test for stereotyped thinking.
Synonyms
We have returned the original meaning of the described word. Now you can slightly “modernize” it, that is, pick up adjectives that, on occasion, will replace the object of study. Well, let's do this:
- meager;
- pathetic;
- beggar;
- insufficient;
- meager;
- poor;
- nondescript.
Synonyms, by the way, suggest another meaning that we have not covered before - it is "scarce" or "insufficient". And in this sense, anything can be miserable. Suppose food that is not rich in vitamins can be called poor.
But still, if we are talking about a miserable person, this is most likely either a financial or physical characteristic. That is, someone is either poor or sick.
Weakness as strength
Now it is generally accepted that it is shameful to be weak - miserable. Everyone, to the best of their ability, should try to climb the conditional Everest in order to be no worse than their neighbor. But a calm attitude to one's own shortcomings gives muchmore than love and respect for others. Moreover, the potential for strength is hidden in weakness, and the strong have nothing to strive for.
There are no perfect people. They are only perfect in the frame of reference they are in, and if they change jobs, for example, or something else transforms, they can become weak.
What are the benefits of being weak?
- Nothing is expected of a person.
- Nothing presses on him.
- He is free.
And after reading this list, you can think about the ambiguity of the merits and demerits of a person.
