Definition
Begrudge means to envy or resent someone for their possessions, achievements, or advantages. It can also mean to give or allocate something reluctantly or with ill-will.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Envy, resent, covet, grudge, begrudge, dislike, loathe, abhor
Antonyms
Admire, approve, applaud, welcome, celebrate, appreciate, love
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | begrudge, begrudged, begrudges, begrudging |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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I don’t begrudge my friend’s success, but it’s hard not to envy them sometimes.
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She begrudged every penny she had to spend on the gift for her sister’s wedding.
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He begrudged his coworker’s promotion, feeling that he deserved it more.
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Though she tried to suppress it, a pang of envy coursed through her as she begrudged her colleague’s promotion, silently questioning why she was overlooked despite her years of hard work and dedication.
Usage
The verb begrudge is often used to describe a feeling of envy or resentment towards someone else’s possessions or accomplishments. It is a negative emotion that can be difficult to overcome, but it is important to acknowledge these feelings and work through them. Begrudging someone else’s success or advantages can be a toxic behavior that can harm one’s own mental health and relationships.
The word begrudge comes from the Old English word “bigrucge”, which means “to grumble at”. The prefix “be-” means to make or cause, while the root “grudge” means to hold a feeling of resentment or ill-will towards someone. The word has been used in English since the 14th century and has been associated with a negative connotation throughout its history.
Some synonyms of begrudge include “envy”, “resent”, “covet”, and “grudge”. These all refer to a feeling of discontent or jealousy towards someone else’s success or possessions. Antonyms of begrudge include “admire”, “approve”, and “appreciate”, which describe a more positive and supportive attitude towards others.
The verb begrudge can also be used to describe the act of reluctantly giving or allocating something to someone. This usage often implies that the giver is doing so with a feeling of resentment or ill-will. It is important to be aware of one’s own feelings when giving or sharing with others to avoid begrudging them.
Overall, the verb begrudge is a useful word for describing negative emotions such as envy and resentment. It is important to acknowledge and work through these emotions to maintain positive relationships with others.