resentful

ADJECTIVE

[/rɪˈzentfəl/]

feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly

💡 Concept

a hardworking employee sits with crossed arms and a scowling expression while glaring at their boss. Their face shows clear bitterness and anger as they watch the meeting unfold. The manager is handing a promotion certificate to a less qualified coworker who started recently. The promoted employee smiles smugly while the overlooked worker's jaw clenches with indignation. Other colleagues look uncomfortable witnessing this unfair decision. feeling bitterness and indignation at having been treated unfairly

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/rɪˈzentfəl/

🇬🇧 UK/rɪˈzentfʊl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--

Rootsent

Suffix--ful

Origin

From Latin 'resentire' meaning 'to feel again' or 'to feel deeply.' The word originally described the act of repeatedly experiencing or dwelling on emotions, particularly negative ones.

Breakdown

re- (again/back) + sentire (to feel) → literally 'to feel again,' suggesting the repetitive nature of holding onto bitter feelings

🎵Rhyme

eventfulpreventful

eventful

preventful

🔗Collocations

feel resentful

deeply resentful

resentful attitude

become resentful

resentful toward

bitter and resentful

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat gives me a resentful look every time I come back from vacation without bringing him tuna.”

“He was resentful of his colleague's success and couldn't hide his jealousy.”

“The employees grew increasingly resentful as their boss took credit for all their hard work.”

😄 Fun example

“She tried not to feel resentful when her little brother got a bigger piece of cake.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

bittergrudgingindignantspitefulvengeful

Antonyms

forgivinggratefulappreciative

resentresentmentgrudgebitternessanimosity

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resentful — feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly

Example Sentences