To be resentful
Meaning
To feel bitter indignation or ill will as a result of a perceived injustice or wrongdoing.
Origin
The word "resentful" carries a long history of deeply felt emotions, stemming from the Old French verb "resentir," which literally meant "to feel again." This, in turn, traced back to the Latin "sentire," meaning simply "to feel." Initially, in its earliest English uses from the 16th century, "to resent" could denote any strong feeling felt again—whether it was gratitude or displeasure. However, over time, the "re-" prefix gained a sharper edge, emphasizing a feeling "against" or "back" in response to a perceived injury. By the 17th century, the meaning had solidified almost entirely, narrowing to the specific sting of indignation, bitterness, or ill will felt after experiencing a slight or injustice. It was no longer about just "feeling again," but about feeling a simmering anger that gnawed at one's sense of fairness.
Examples
- After years of being overlooked for promotions, she began to be resentful towards her colleagues who had advanced more quickly.
- He tried hard not to be resentful about his childhood friend's sudden success, but it was a struggle to suppress the feeling.