English Reference
verb

resent

v.
US /ɹiˈzɛnt/ re·sent UK spelling resented, resenting, resents

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to feel angry or bitter about something because you think it is unfair.

    to experience a persistent feeling of ill will or indignation resulting from a perceived grievance or injustice.

    Simple

    He began to resent his boss for making him work every weekend without extra pay.

    In context

    The local community deeply resented the government's decision to build a highway through the historic park without any public consultation.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and is often followed by a noun or a gerund (an -ing form).

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'hate'; explain that resentment specifically involves a sense of unfairness or being overlooked.

    begrudgedislike

Etymology 1

From Middle French ressentir, resentir, from Old French resentir (Modern ressentir), from re- + sentir (“to feel”).

Etymology 2

See resend.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French resentir
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated