Word
resent
Phoneticsre·sent, stress on the second syllable
/ɹiˈzɛnt/
Definition
v. to feel angry or bitter about something because you think it is unfair.
v. to experience a persistent feeling of ill will or indignation resulting from a perceived grievance or injustice.
Examples
“He resents his boss for giving him extra work.”
“Many employees began to resent the new management after their flexible working hours were suddenly cancelled.”
“She deeply resents being passed over for the promotion, especially since she has more experience than the candidate who was eventually selected for the role.”
Examples
simple
“He resents his boss for giving him extra work.”
contextual
“Many employees began to resent the new management after their flexible working hours were suddenly cancelled.”
complex
“She deeply resents being passed over for the promotion, especially since she has more experience than the candidate who was eventually selected for the role.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and often followed by a noun or a gerund (the '-ing' form).
Pitfall
she resents to work late
she resents working late
Resent is followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive with 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“That may be because viewers have simply come to resent the amount of money they are expected to pay.” “But I do respect the fact they bring in huge amounts of tourism and I don’t really resent state payments, so long as it’s for work.” Etymology
From Middle French ressentir, resentir, from Old French resentir (Modern ressentir), from re- + sentir (“to feel”).
See resend.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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