Aggrieved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aggrieved

[ษ™หˆษกriหvd ]

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 colleagueโ€™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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'aggrieved'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'aggrieved' originated from the Old French word 'agrever', meaning 'make heavier, burden'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'oppress, harass, distress'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe a feeling of injustice or resentment. The legal usage of 'aggrieved' in the context of suffering an infringement of legal rights developed in the 19th century.


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.