to-seethe-with-indignation
/tə siːð wɪð ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To feel very angry, especially because something seems unfair, rude, or insulting. The emotion is strong but often held inside rather than openly shown.
- She was seething with indignation after the rude comment.
- He seethed with indignation at the unfair decision.
- The manager seethed with indignation, but stayed calm.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is stronger and more formal than simple angry. It is often used when someone feels not just upset, but morally offended by unfair treatment. It is close to resentful and indignant, but it adds a vivid image of anger boiling inside. Writers choose it when they want a dramatic, serious tone.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phẫn nộ
- Spanish
- indignado
- Chinese
- 愤慨
- Japanese
- 憤慨する
- Korean
- 분개하다
Etymology
Seethe comes from Old English and originally meant 'boil'. Indignation comes from Latin indignatio, meaning anger at something unfair or insulting. The phrase uses both ideas: hot anger and a strong sense of injustice.
Common phrases
seethe with indignationseething with indignationsilent indignationfury and indignation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'seethe with indignation' formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and literary. People use it more in writing than in casual speech.
- How is it different from 'angry'?
- 'Angry' is general. 'Seethe with indignation' suggests strong anger about unfairness or insult.
- Can I use this in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It can sound strong and precise in formal writing if the context is serious.
- Does it always mean visible anger?
- No. It often means the anger is controlled and felt inside.