Begrudged

/bɪˈɡrʌdʒd/ verb

Definition

Past tense of begrudge; resented giving or admitting something unwillingly or resentfully.

Etymology

From be- + grudge (from Old French groucier, of Germanic origin, related to 'grutch'). The be- prefix intensifies the grudging quality, making it mean 'to feel resentment about.'

Kelly Says

Begrudge is still alive and well in modern English, unlike many be- verbs—it's one of the few that survived because 'grudge' as a standalone verb wasn't strong enough, so the be- version became the standard way to express reluctant resentment.

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