# resent

/ɹiˈzɛnt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resent
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to feel bitter about something

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

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

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.