Reading Theme:
Grudge Meaning, Examples, and Usage
Meaning 1：persistent resentment (grudge)
grudge
/ɡrʌdʒ/
n.
A bad feeling you keep for a long time because someone hurt you in the past, making it hard to forgive them.
persistent resentment
➕
/pərˈsɪstənt rɪˈzentmənt/
n.
A deep-seated feeling of anger or ill will towards someone due to a past offense, which is difficult to let go of.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'grouchier' (to grumble), related to German 'grollen' (to bear a grudge).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'grudge' = 'ugly judge' - imagine a judge who never forgets a wrong and keeps a bitter score.
📖 Example
Even though they made up, Sarah still held a grudge against her friend for not inviting her to the party last year.
Even though they made up, Sarah still held a grudge against her friend for not inviting her to the party last year.
🔗 Collocations
hold a grudge – to continue to feel angry or resentful about a past offense
bear a grudge – to carry resentment towards someone over a long period
nurse a grudge – to keep a feeling of resentment alive by dwelling on it
🔄 Synonyms
resentment (n.) – Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
rancor (n.) – Long-lasting deep-seated ill will or spite.
spite (n.) – A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone out of petty malice.
🚫 Antonyms
forgiveness (n.) – The act of letting go of resentment and pardoning an offense.
goodwill (n.) – Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings towards others.
reconciliation (n.) – The restoration of friendly relations after a disagreement.
🌱 Derivatives
grudging (adj.) – Done or given reluctantly, often revealing resentment.
grudgingly (adv.) – In a reluctant or resentful manner.
grudger (n.) – A person who holds a grudge (rare).
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Middle English 'grucchen', meaning to complain. The sense of harboring long-term resentment became prominent in the 16th century, often used in legal and social contexts.
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