Resentful

/rɪˈzɛntfəl/ adjective

Definition

Resentful describes feeling angry or bitter because you think you have been treated unfairly. The feeling usually lasts and can grow stronger over time.

Etymology

From French *ressentir* meaning 'to feel strongly', based on Latin *sentire* 'to feel'. Over time, English narrowed it to strong negative feelings about being wronged.

Kelly Says

Resentful emotions are like emotional leftovers—they stick around long after the event is over. The danger is that resentment often hurts the person who carries it more than the person who caused it.

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