resent
Meaning
To feel bitter or angry about something, especially because you feel it is unfair.
Structure
Usage
She resented having to work late while her colleagues left on time.
He deeply resented the implication that he was not trustworthy.
Many citizens resent the new tax increases.
Etymology
The word "resent" originates from the French ressentir, meaning "to feel strongly, take (something) ill". This French term is built from the Latin prefix re-, which here intensifies the action, and the verb sentire, meaning "to feel". The semantic journey moved from the general sense of "feeling again" or "feeling strongly" to the specific modern sense of harboring a persistent, bitter feeling of ill will, typically because of a perceived wrong or slight. Thus, the logic of the word captures the idea of feeling a negative emotion repeatedly or intensely in response to an offense.
Analysis
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". - sent: From Latin sentire, meaning "to feel".