indignant
Meaning
feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Structure
Usage
she was indignant at the suggestion that she had lied.
he gave an indignant reply when accused of being late.
the customers were indignant over the sudden price increase.
Etymology
the word 'indignant' originates from the latin verb 'indignari', meaning 'to deem unworthy' or 'to be displeased at'. this verb itself is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and the root 'dignus' (worthy). the core concept is a reaction to a situation perceived as not worthy of respect or beneath one's dignity. over time, this sense of being treated in an unworthy manner evolved into the modern english meaning of anger aroused by something unjust or mean.
Analysis
in- (latin, a prefix meaning 'not'), dign (latin, from 'dignus' meaning 'worthy'), -ant (latin, adjectival suffix meaning 'being in a state of').