resentful
/rɪˈzent.fəl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Feeling angry or upset because you think something is unfair. A resentful person often remembers a slight or bad treatment.
- He felt resentful after being passed over for promotion.
- She was resentful about the extra work.
- I became resentful when no one thanked me.
Adinary Nuance
Resentful is stronger and more negative than annoyed or irritated. It often means the feeling lasts for a while, especially after unfair treatment. Use it when someone carries anger quietly, not just for a small moment. It is close to bitter, but resentful is more about a specific unfair situation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- oán giận
- Spanish
- resentido
- Chinese
- 怨恨的
- Japanese
- 恨んでいる
- Korean
- 원망스러운
Etymology
Resentful comes from the verb resent, which entered English in the 1600s from French. It goes back to Latin resentire, meaning 'to feel strongly again.'
Common phrases
feel resentfulgrow resentfulresentful of someoneresentful about something
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is resentful the same as angry?
- Not exactly. Angry can be short and direct, while resentful usually lasts longer and comes from feeling unfairly treated.
- What is the difference between resentful and bitter?
- Resentful means angry about something unfair. Bitter is often deeper and may include disappointment or long-term hurt.
- Can I say 'resentful of'?
- Yes. We say 'resentful of' a person, and 'resentful about' a situation or action.
- Is resentful common in academic writing?
- Yes, especially in essays about relationships, work, or social conflict.