Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To feel bitterness, anger, or indignation about (a situation, action, or person): To experience a negative emotional reaction, typically involving a sense of unfairness or injury to one's pride or rights.
   • To begrudge; to feel displeasure or ill will towards someone because of a perceived wrong or slight: The feeling often arises when one believes they have been treated unjustly or disrespectfully.

Usage

The verb resent is used to describe a strong, persistent feeling of displeasure. It is almost always followed by a noun or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). * It is commonly used in the structure: resent + noun/noun phrase (e.g., She resents his attitude). * It is very frequently used in the structure: resent + gerund (e.g., He resents being ignored). * The feeling of resentment is often directed at a person, a specific action, or a general state of affairs.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Many employees resent the new, stricter policies. (They feel the policies are unfair.)
  • He deeply resents his brother's success. (He feels bitter and envious about it.)
  • She resents having to do all the housework by herself. (She feels it is an unfair burden.)
  • I resent that remark. (I take offense at that comment.)

Advanced Usage

• "to resent the fact that...": This phrase is used to specify the exact circumstance causing the bitterness.
  • He resents the fact that he wasn't consulted before the decision was made.
• The feeling described by resent is internal and personal. It does not necessarily imply an outward show of anger but rather a private sense of grievance or hurt pride.

Variants and Related Words

• Resentful (adjective): Feeling or characterized by resentment.
  • She gave him a resentful look.
• Resentment (noun): The feeling of bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
  • He felt deep resentment towards his boss.

Synonyms

• Begrudge: To envy someone the possession or enjoyment of something; to give reluctantly.
  • He begrudged his friend's good fortune. (Similar to resent, but can also imply unwillingness to give.)
• Take offense at: To feel hurt or angry because of something said or done.
• Bear a grudge against: To harbor persistent resentment.

Antonyms

• Appreciate: To recognize the full worth of.
• Welcome: To greet or receive gladly.
• Accept: To receive willingly.

Related Phrases

• Harbor resentment: To keep feelings of resentment alive in one's mind.
  • It's unhealthy to harbor resentment for years.
• Full of resentment: Describing someone who is deeply and clearly bitter.
  • His letter was full of resentment.

Verb

1. wish ill or allow unwillingly
2. feel bitter or indignant about
   • She resents being paid less than her co-workers