Resent Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：hold a grudge (resent)

resent 🔊

/rɪˈzent/

To feel angry and bitter because you think something is unfair or someone has treated you badly.

Resent meaning illustration: person frowning at friends' photo, feeling left out

hold a grudge 🔊

➕

/hoʊld ə ɡrʌdʒ/

To feel bitter anger or indignation towards someone because of a perceived unfair treatment or insult.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'resentire' (re- + sentire 'to feel'), meaning 'to feel again', later 'to feel bitterness'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 're' (again) + 'sent' (feel) = feeling hurt again, like replaying an insult.

📖 Example

She couldn't help but resent her coworker for taking credit for her idea during the meeting. 🔊 She couldn't help but resent her coworker for taking credit for her idea during the meeting.

🔗 Collocations

resent someone for something – To feel anger towards someone because of a specific action

deeply resent – To feel strong resentment

resent the fact that – To feel bitter about a particular situation

🔄 Synonyms

begrudge (v.) – To envy or resent someone for having or achieving something.

grumble (v.) – To complain or express dissatisfaction quietly, often due to resentment.

fume (v.) – To show intense anger or resentment, often silently.

🚫 Antonyms

forgive (v.) – To stop feeling anger or resentment towards someone.

appreciate (v.) – To recognize the value of something and feel grateful, opposite of resentment.

embrace (v.) – To accept willingly and without bitterness.

🌱 Derivatives

resentment (n.) – Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.

resentful (adj.) – Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation.

resentfully (adv.) – In a manner that shows bitter indignation.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'resentire' meaning 'to feel again'. In 17th-century English, it shifted from 'to feel deeply' to 'to feel offended or bitter due to perceived injustice'.