put-upon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Feeling used or taken advantage of: Describes a person who feels unfairly burdened or exploited, often because their kindness or willingness to help is consistently abused by others.
Usage
This adjective describes a state of feeling. It is often used with verbs like feel, be, or seem. It typically follows a linking verb or modifies a noun directly. * It is used to express a sense of resentment or weariness from being treated unfairly. * It implies that the person has endured this treatment repeatedly or over time.
Examples
- She always volunteers for extra work and is starting to feel very put-upon.
- He had a put-upon expression after his colleagues left him to finish the project alone.
- As the oldest sibling, she often felt put-upon, responsible for all the chores.
Advanced Usage
- To feel put-upon: A common collocation emphasizing the emotional experience.
- I don't want to feel put-upon every time I agree to help.
- Used to describe a demeanor or attitude resulting from the feeling.
- He answered with a put-upon sigh, as if the request were a great inconvenience.
Variants and Related Words
- Put upon (verb phrase): The phrasal verb from which the adjective is derived. It means to impose on or inconvenience someone.
- I hate to put upon you, but could I ask for another favor?
Synonyms
- Imposed upon: Having requests or burdens placed on one.
- Taken advantage of: Exploited for one's good nature.
- Used: Treated as a means to an end without proper consideration.
- Exploited: Made use of selfishly or unfairly.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Taken for granted: Treated as if one's efforts or presence are expected and not worthy of thanks.
- After years of loyal service, she felt taken for granted and put-upon.
Adjective
- of persons; taken advantage of
- after going out of his way to help his friend get the job he felt not appreciated but used