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Begrudge: meaning, definitions and examples

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begrudge

 

[ bɪˈɡrʌdʒ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to resent

To begrudge means to envy someone the possession or enjoyment of something. It conveys a sense of unwillingness to allow someone to have what they deserve or to feel annoyance at their success or good fortune. The term often implies that the feeling is intense, affecting the relationship between individuals. Often used in contexts where one person feels slighted or unappreciated in comparison to another.

Synonyms

dislike, envy, grudge, hate, resent

Examples of usage

  • She didn't begrudge her friend the promotion.
  • He begrudged the time she spent with her family.
  • They begrudged the money spent on the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "begrudge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ressentir

🇮🇳 नागरिक शिकायत करना

🇩🇪 missgönnen

🇮🇩 dengki

🇺🇦 заздрити

🇵🇱 zazdrościć

🇯🇵 妬む

🇫🇷 envier

🇪🇸 envidiar

🇹🇷 kıskanmak

🇰🇷 시기하다

🇸🇦 يَغْتَصِب

🇨🇿 závidět

🇸🇰 závidieť

🇨🇳 嫉妒

🇸🇮 zavideti

🇮🇸 öfund

🇰🇿 қызғану

🇬🇪 შურით

🇦🇿 qısqanclıq

🇲🇽 envidiar

Word origin

The word 'begrudge' originates from the Old English term 'begrudge', which is composed of the prefix 'be-' meaning 'about' or 'around' and 'grudge', derived from the Middle English 'grucchen', meaning 'to murmur or complain'. The evolution of the term suggests a deep-rooted connotation of resentment and unwillingness. As the English language evolved, 'begrudge' became more commonly used to express feelings of envy or resentment towards another person's good fortune or achievements, particularly when one feels they do not deserve it or have earned it more than the other. Throughout history, this term has frequently appeared in literature and colloquial expressions, reflecting the human tendency to compare oneself to others and the complex emotional responses that can arise from such comparisons.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,423 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.