Begrudging

/bɪˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Unwilling to give or admit something; resentful or done with reluctance and ill will.

Etymology

From begrudge + -ing (present participle/gerund suffix). The -ing suffix creates both gerunds (noun forms) and present participles (adjectives/verbs).

Kelly Says

When we use 'begrudging' as an adjective, we're describing a quality or attitude—'a begrudging smile'—and this shows how English participles blur the line between verb and adjective, letting us describe actions as if they were qualities.

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