Aggrieved: meaning, definitions and examples

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aggrieved

 

[əˈɡriːvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of injustice or resentment

Feeling resentment or distress because of a real or imagined wrong or injustice.

Synonyms

distressed, offended, resentful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aggrieved

When someone feels they have been treated unfairly or wronged, often in a legal or formal context.

  • She felt aggrieved by the unfair decision of the court.
  • The employees were aggrieved by the changes in the company's policy.
resentful

When someone feels bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly, often long-term.

  • She felt resentful towards her brother for always getting more attention.
  • He was resentful of his colleague’s success.
distressed

When someone is experiencing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

  • He was visibly distressed after hearing the bad news.
  • The distressed passengers were comforted by the crew.
offended

When someone feels insulted or hurt by something that was said or done, usually in a more personal or social context.

  • She was offended by his rude remarks.
  • He didn't mean to offend anyone with his joke.

Examples of usage

  • He was aggrieved by the way he was treated at work.
  • She felt aggrieved at not being invited to the party.
  • The students were aggrieved by the unfair grading system.
Context #2 | Adjective

law

Having suffered an infringement of legal rights.

Synonyms

harmed, injured, wronged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aggrieved

Use 'aggrieved' when someone feels resentment or has been treated unfairly, often with a sense of personal mistreatment.

  • She felt aggrieved when she was passed over for the promotion.
  • The aggrieved customer filed a formal complaint.
injured

The term 'injured' is best used to refer to physical damage to a person or animal. It is commonly used in medical or emergency situations.

  • Several players were injured during the match.
  • She was injured in the fall and taken to the hospital.
harmed

Deploy 'harmed' to describe someone or something that has suffered physical injury or damage. This term often conveys a more tangible or measurable impact.

  • The environment has been significantly harmed by the oil spill.
  • He was badly harmed in the accident.
wronged

Use 'wronged' when someone has been treated unfairly or unjustly, often implying a moral or ethical wrongdoing. This term can have a strong emotional or accusatory tone.

  • He felt deeply wronged by the false accusations.
  • They sought justice for the wronged community.

Examples of usage

  • The aggrieved party filed a lawsuit against the company.
  • The aggrieved tenants sought legal advice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aggrievare', meaning 'to burden' or 'to weigh down'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, reflecting both a sense of injustice and personal suffering.
  • Originally, it was used in legal terms to describe someone whose rights had been violated.

Law

  • In legal contexts, being aggrieved often refers to having suffered a wrong, which can give someone the right to seek remedy.
  • Aggrieved parties typically file complaints to address issues of fairness or misconduct.
  • The concept is essential in tort law, where individuals can claim damages for wrongful acts.

Psychology

  • Feeling aggrieved can lead to chronic stress and negatively affect mental health if not addressed.
  • It can trigger a strong emotional response, often resulting in anger, sadness, or frustration.
  • People who feel aggrieved may find it hard to let go of negative feelings, impacting their relationships.

Literature

  • Characters who feel aggrieved often embody themes of injustice and quest for resolution, driving plot development.
  • Classic literature frequently explores the consequences of grievance, inspiring empathy from readers.
  • Modern novels may depict aggrieved characters as complex, showing their journey from hurt to healing.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and shows often portray aggrieved protagonists seeking revenge or justice, resonating with audience frustrations.
  • Social media platforms amplify feelings of grievance, leading to movements highlighting unfair treatment.
  • Songs frequently express aggrieved emotions, using them to connect with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "aggrieved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lesado

🇮🇳 पीड़ित (पीड़ित)

🇩🇪 geschädigt

🇮🇩 dirugikan

🇺🇦 скривджений

🇵🇱 pokrzywdzony

🇯🇵 被害を受けた (ひがいをうけた)

🇫🇷 lésé

🇪🇸 agraviado

🇹🇷 mağdur

🇰🇷 피해를 입은

🇸🇦 متضرر

🇨🇿 poškozený

🇸🇰 poškodený

🇨🇳 受到伤害的 (shòudào shānghài de)

🇸🇮 oškodovan

🇮🇸 meiddur

🇰🇿 зиян шеккен

🇬🇪 დაზარალებული

🇦🇿 zərər çəkmiş

🇲🇽 agraviado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,222, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.