Resentful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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resentful

[rɪˈzɛntfʊl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly

Synonyms

bitter, envious, indignant, jealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
resentful	Used when someone feels bitterness due to being treated unfairly or poorly. It's an emotion that grows over time due to perceived injustice or mistreatment. He felt resentful after being passed over for the promotion yet again. She was resentful of the praise her colleague received for the project she worked hard on.
bitter	Describes a deep and long-lasting feeling of anger, hurt, or resentment, often due to painful or unfair experiences. It can also imply an enduring sense of being wronged or misfortune. Years after the betrayal, he remained bitter about how things ended. She has grown bitter over the years because of her unfulfilled dreams.
indignant	Used when someone feels anger or annoyance at what they perceive as unfair treatment or injustice. The emotion is usually tied to a sense of moral or ethical wrongness. He was indignant when accused of cheating, as he had done nothing wrong. She felt indignant at the way the company treated its employees.
envious	Used when someone desires what another person has, whether it be possessions, qualities, or accomplishments. It is generally a feeling of wanting something you do not have. She felt envious of her friend's new car. He was envious of his colleague's easy rapport with the boss.
jealous	Describes a feeling of insecurity, fear, or worry over a potential loss of something of personal value, often in relationships. It can also denote envy of someone's achievements or advantages. He was jealous of his girlfriend's close friendship with her co-worker. Seeing her partner talk to others made her feel incredibly jealous.

Examples of usage

He was resentful towards his boss for not giving him a promotion.
She felt resentful when her friend forgot her birthday.
I could sense the resentful tone in his voice.
Don't be resentful, try to understand their point of view.
The resentful glare in her eyes was hard to miss.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Holding onto resentment can lead to long-term emotional distress, impacting mental health negatively.
Forgiveness is often recommended by psychologists as a way to alleviate feelings of resentment and improve emotional well-being.
Research suggests that people who don't address their resentful feelings may struggle with trust and relationship building in the future.

Literature

Resentful characters often appear in stories as they represent the consequences of unchecked emotions, driving conflict in plots.
Classic literature often explores themes of resentment, like in Shakespeare's 'Othello,' where jealousy leads to tragic outcomes.
Poets use the feeling of being resentful to evoke deep emotions, making readers connect with the pain of betrayal.

Culture

In many cultures, expressing resentment openly is discouraged, often seen as a weakness or lack of self-control.
Some traditions emphasize reconciliation rituals to help individuals overcome feelings of resentment, promoting community healing.
The phrase 'forgive and forget' embodies cultural ways to address resentment, suggesting a path to peace rather than holding onto grudges.

Influence on Behavior

People who feel resentful may exhibit passive-aggressive behavior as a way to express their feelings without direct confrontation.
Resentment can lead to a cycle of negativity, affecting one’s responses not just to the person who caused the feeling but others around them.
Communicating openly can help break the cycle of resentment, leading to healthier relationships and emotional release.

Origin of 'resentful'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'resentire,' which means 'to feel again,' indicating the repeated feelings of anger.
It was first recorded in English in the early 18th century, showing how expressions of emotions have changed over time.
The prefix 're-' suggests a return, hinting at the idea of feeling bad multiple times about a past event.

The word 'resentful' comes from the verb 'resent,' which dates back to the 17th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'sentire,' meaning 'to feel.' The prefix 're-' adds the sense of 'again' or 'back,' emphasizing the feeling of bitterness or indignation. Over the years, 'resentful' has become a common adjective used to describe feelings of bitterness or indignation towards perceived unfair treatment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,791, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18788 snarled
18789 clamour
18790 harmonization
18791 resentful
18792 navel
18793 pensioner
18794 crankshaft
...