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Aggrieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aggrieve

[ษ™หˆษกriหv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To aggrieve someone means to cause them to feel resentful or unhappy, especially due to a perceived injustice. In legal terms, it often refers to the action of feeling wronged in the face of legal rights or privileges.

Synonyms

afflict, displease, injure, wrong.

Examples of usage

  • The policy changes aggrieve many employees.
  • She felt aggrieved by the unfair treatment at work.
  • The decision aggrieved several community members.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional context

To aggrieve can also refer to the act of causing emotional pain or distress to someone. This usage emphasizes the feelings of the person who is aggrieved.

Synonyms

distress, hurt, offend.

Examples of usage

  • His comments aggrieved her deeply.
  • He was aggrieved by the lack of support.
  • The news aggrieved the entire community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, aggrievement refers to a party feeling harmed by a ruling or action, often used in administrative law.
  • Individuals who feel aggrieved can file complaints or appeals to seek justice.
  • The concept is crucial in ensuring that people's rights are protected in disputes.

Literature

  • Aggrieve often appears in classic literature when characters face injustices that lead to their suffering.
  • Shakespeare employed the term in several of his plays, highlighting themes of betrayal and harm.
  • Contemporary authors utilize the word to evoke feelings of outrage and injustice among their characters.

Psychology

  • Feeling aggrieved can lead to emotions like resentment and anger, impacting mental well-being.
  • Psychologists study how perceived injustices affect interpersonal relationships and personal happiness.
  • When people feel aggrieved, they often seek ways to address their grievances, which can include confrontations or seeking support.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies and shows, characters who feel aggrieved often take a path of revenge or redemption.
  • The theme of aggrievement stands central in social justice movements, where individuals demand recognition of their grievances.
  • Songs and literature frequently explore the narrative of being aggrieved, resonating with audiences who share similar feelings.

Origin of 'aggrieve'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old French word 'aggriever', meaning to burden or harm.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin term 'adgravare', meaning to aggravate or make heavier.
  • The word has evolved over the centuries but retains its focus on causing distress.

The term 'aggrieve' originates from the Middle English word 'aggrieven', which is derived from the Old French 'aggriever', meaning to weigh down or to afflict, itself coming from the Latin 'aggrievare' meaning to make heavy or to burden. The prefix 'ad-' in Latin carries the meaning of 'to' or 'toward', while 'grievare' comes from 'gravis,' translating to 'heavy'. The evolution of the word reflects its journey through various languages, synthesis of cultural applications and legal rims, which shaped it into the modern usage we have today. Initially used in a more general sense to indicate causing harm or distress, over time, its usage has gained specificity, especially in legal contexts where wrongful treatment is emphasized.