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Resentment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ก
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resentment

[rษชหˆzษ›ntmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly; a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

Synonyms

animosity, bitterness, hostility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resentment

Use this word when someone feels angry or upset due to unfair treatment. It often implies a lingering feeling that builds up over time.

  • She felt a deep resentment towards her boss for not recognizing her hard work
bitterness

Best used to describe a feeling of deep-seated anger and disappointment. It often implies that the person feels hurt and is holding a grudge.

  • His bitterness towards his former friend was evident in his harsh words
animosity

This word is suitable when describing a strong and active dislike or hostility between people. It's often used to describe mutual feelings.

  • There has always been animosity between the two rival football teams
hostility

This word works well when describing open antagonism or opposition. It can describe personal feelings or more general situations, like political hostility.

  • The hostility between the two countries made diplomatic negotiations challenging

Examples of usage

  • The employee's resentment towards his boss grew stronger after he was passed over for a promotion.
  • She couldn't hide her resentment towards her ex-husband during the divorce proceedings.
Context #2 | Noun

relationship

Persistent ill will or hatred that is unjustified

Synonyms

antipathy, enmity, rancor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resentment

Resentment is a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair. It is often used in situations involving perceived injustices or grudges that build up over time.

  • She felt a deep sense of resentment towards her colleague for getting the promotion she deserved.
  • The resentment between the two neighbors grew after years of disputes over their property line.
enmity

Enmity means a state of active opposition or hostility. It's often used to describe deep-seated, long-lasting animosity between individuals, groups, or entities.

  • Decades of enmity between the two families ended with a peace agreement.
  • The enmity between the rival companies prevented any possibility of a merger.
antipathy

Antipathy refers to a strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards someone or something. It's used when describing a general and often immediate negative reaction.

  • His antipathy towards spiders was evident every time he saw one.
  • There was clear antipathy between the two political rivals.
rancor

Rancor is bitter, long-lasting resentment. It implies deep-seated ill will or aversion and is typically used in situations where the negative feelings have festered and grown over time.

  • Despite their divorce years ago, there was still rancor in their interactions.
  • The rancor in his voice was unmistakable as he spoke about his former boss.

Examples of usage

  • Years of resentment had built up between the two families, leading to a long-standing feud.
  • The resentment between the two rival gangs eventually erupted into violence.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that holding onto resentment can lead to health issues like stress and depression.
  • Forgiveness is often encouraged as a way to let go of resentment and improve mental well-being.
  • Some psychological studies say that people who express their feelings are less likely to hold onto resentment.

Literature

  • Resentment is a common theme in literature, representing personal struggles and conflicts between characters.
  • Classic novels like 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky explore how resentment can lead to moral dilemmas and personal transformation.
  • Many poems express feelings of resentment, often conveying deep emotional pain or injustice.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, discussing feelings of resentment can be taboo, leading people to internalize their anger.
  • Cultural narratives in storytelling frequently depict characters overcoming resentment to find peace or reconciliation.
  • Movements for social justice often focus on addressing collective resentment to foster healing and progress.

Social Dynamics

  • Resentment can impact relationships, leading to misunderstandings or even conflicts if not addressed.
  • In group settings, unspoken resentment can create tension, making open communication essential for harmony.
  • It's often suggested that resolving resentment early can prevent larger disputes later in personal and professional relationships.

Origin of 'resentment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'resentire', which means 'to feel again', reflecting how old feelings can come back.
  • It has been used in English since the early 17th century, showing that people have long struggled with feelings of unfairness.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests repetition, while 'sent' relates to feeling, highlighting how past feelings influence the present.

The word 'resentment' originated from the Latin word 'resentire', which means 'to feel pain' or 'to feel again'. The concept of resentment has been a part of human emotions and relationships throughout history, often arising from feelings of injustice or unfair treatment. Resentment can have a significant impact on individuals and relationships, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings if not addressed effectively.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,841 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.