Definition

Verb: To bear a grudge; to harbor deep-seated resentment or hatred towards someone because of a past wrong or injury.

Usage

This verb describes a strong, persistent feeling of resentment, often held secretly or privately over a long period. It implies a deep-seated ill will that is not easily forgotten or forgiven. It is a formal and literary term.

Examples

• (After that dispute, he bore a grudge against his neighbor for many years.)
• (She does not bear a grudge against anyone, even though she was once treated unfairly.)
• (The grudge between the two families has lasted for centuries.) .

Advanced Usage / Different Meanings

• As a Noun: While primarily a verb, "hiềm oán" can also be used as a noun meaning "a grudge" or "deep-seated enmity," especially in classical or formal contexts. It is often preceded by words like "mối" (a thread/clue of) or "nỗi" (a feeling of).
  • Hai bên gạt bỏ hiềm oán cũ để cùng nhau hợp tác. (Both sides put aside old grudges to cooperate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hiềm khích (n): Rift, discord; a state of mutual resentment or ill feeling.
• Hiềm thù (n): Enmity, feud; a state of deep-seated hatred, often stronger than "hiềm oán."
• Oán hận (v/n): To resent/hatred; a strong feeling of anger and bitterness.
• Thù hằn (v/n): To harbor hatred/hatred; implies a more active and vengeful hostility.

Synonyms

• Thù ghét: To hate (often with a personal vendetta).
• Căm ghét: To detest, to loathe.
• Bất bình: To be discontented or indignant (less personal, more about unfairness).

Related Idioms / Phrases

• Hóa giải hiềm oán: To resolve a grudge; to reconcile after a period of resentment.
  • Buổi gặp mặt đã giúp họ hóa giải hiềm oán. (The meeting helped them resolve their grudge.)
• Chứa chấp hiềm oán: To harbor/nurse a grudge.
  • Đừng chứa chấp hiềm oán trong lòng, nó chỉ làm ta khổ. (Don't harbor a grudge in your heart; it only makes you suffer.)

verb

1. to bear a grudge