resentment
/ri'zentmənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will: A lasting, negative emotional state caused by a perceived wrong, injustice, or insult. It involves a sense of indignant displeasure and often a desire to see the offending party suffer.
Usage
- Resentment is an uncountable noun referring to the feeling itself.
- It is often used with prepositions like toward(s), against, or over to indicate the target or cause of the feeling.
- It describes a feeling that is typically held inwardly over time, rather than a momentary outburst of anger.
Examples
- She felt deep resentment toward her colleague for taking credit for her idea.
- His constant criticism filled her with resentment.
- There is growing public resentment over the new tax policies.
- He harbored a secret resentment against his older brother for years.
Advanced Usage
- To harbor/bear/nurse resentment: To keep a feeling of resentment alive in one's mind over a long period.
- It is unhealthy to harbor resentment for so long.
- A simmering/lingering resentment: A resentment that is not openly expressed but continues to exist just below the surface.
- A simmering resentment between the two departments affected their collaboration.
- Resentment builds/grows: Indicates that the feeling is increasing in intensity.
- Resentment built among the employees after the unfair layoffs.
Variants and Related Words
- Resent (verb): To feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person).
- She resented his patronizing tone.
- Resentful (adjective): Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation.
- He gave her a resentful look.
Synonyms
- Bitterness: Sharpness of taste, feeling, or tone; intense resentment.
- Indignation: Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
- Grudge: A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.
- Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.
Antonyms
- Forgiveness: The action or process of ceasing to feel resentment against an offender.
- Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.
- Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- To be eaten up with resentment: To be completely consumed or dominated by feelings of resentment.
- After being passed over for promotion, he was eaten up with resentment.
- A reservoir of resentment: A large, accumulated store of resentment.
- The unfair policies created a deep reservoir of resentment among the citizens.
Noun
- a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will