ENGLISH
REFERENCE

resent

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹiˈzɛnt// re·sent Archaic

v. to feel angry or unhappy because you think something is unfair. You might feel this way when someone else gets a reward you think you deserve.

v. to feel bitterness or indignation at a circumstance, action, or person perceived as unfair. Transitive — requires a direct object, which can be a person, an action, or a gerund phrase.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

See resend.

Usage

The verb is transitive and often followed by a noun or a gerund (the '-ing' form).

Pitfall

she resents to work lateshe resents working lateResent is followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive with 'to'.

© 2026 English Reference