indignation
/ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
strong anger because you think something is unfair, rude, or wrong.
- She spoke with indignation about the unfair rule.
- His face showed indignation at the insult.
Adinary Nuance
Indignation is stronger and more formal than simple anger. It often suggests moral outrage, especially when something feels unfair or disrespectful. Use it when the feeling is not just irritation, but a sense that something is wrong.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phẫn nộ
- Spanish
- indignación
- Chinese
- 愤慨
- Japanese
- 憤り
- Korean
- 분노
Etymology
Indignation comes from Latin indignatio, from indignari, meaning “to think unworthy” or “to feel angry about.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
with indignationpublic indignationa flash of indignationindignation at
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is indignation formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and common in writing, news, and speeches.
- What is the difference between indignation and anger?
- Anger is general. Indignation is anger about something unfair or insulting.
- Can I use indignation in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It works well in academic or formal answers about unfairness or social issues.