begrudge
/bi'grʌdʤ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To envy or resent someone for possessing or enjoying something: To feel discontent or ill will toward someone because of their advantages, possessions, or good fortune.
- To give or allow something reluctantly or with resentment: To be unwilling to give, grant, or allow something, often due to a feeling that it is too much or undeserved.
Usage and Examples
Expressing envy or resentment:
- She did not begrudge her friend's success, but celebrated it. (She did not feel envy or resentment toward her friend's success.)
- I begrudge him his carefree lifestyle. (I resent him for having a carefree lifestyle.)
Giving or allowing reluctantly:
- He begrudged every penny he had to spend on repairs. (He gave each penny for repairs with great reluctance and resentment.)
- The manager begrudged giving them an extra day off. (The manager was very unwilling to allow them an extra day off.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
"Begrudge someone something": This is the most common construction, where the resentment is directed at a person for having something.
- No one should begrudge you your happiness. (No one should resent you for being happy.)
"Begrudge doing something": Used to express strong reluctance in performing an action.
- I begrudge spending so much time on paperwork. (I do this paperwork with great reluctance and resentment.)
Variants and Related Words
Begrudging (adjective): Given or done reluctantly or resentfully.
- She gave a begrudging apology. (She apologized in a reluctant and resentful manner.)
Begrudgingly (adverb): In a reluctant or resentful way.
- He begrudgingly admitted his mistake. (He admitted his mistake with reluctance.)
Synonyms
- Envy: To desire something possessed by another.
- Resent: To feel bitterness or indignation at a circumstance, action, or person.
- Grudge: To be unwilling to give or allow something.
Related Phrases and Idioms
"Don't begrudge him/her...": A common phrase advising against feeling resentment.
- Don't begrudge her the promotion; she earned it. (Do not resent her for getting the promotion.)
"To not begrudge someone something": Often used to state a lack of resentment, sometimes for emphasis.
- I don't begrudge you the win; you played better. (I do not resent you for winning.)
Verb
- wish ill or allow unwillingly
- be envious of; set one's heart on