Grudge
/ɡrʌdʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA feeling of resentment or ill will.
/ɡrʌdʒ/
A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment over a past wrong.
He harbored a deep grudge against his former business partner.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're mad at someone for something they did a long time ago, and you still don't like them because of it. It's like holding onto your anger.
👶 For kids: A long-lasting feeling of not liking someone because they did something mean.
More Examples
Their feud was fueled by old grudges and bitter memories.
It's not healthy to hold onto grudges; try to forgive and move on.
How It's Used
"She held a grudge against him for years after their argument."
"The court found no evidence of a personal grudge influencing the witness's testimony."
To feel resentful or unwilling to give or allow something.
/ɡrʌdʒ/
To be resentful or reluctant to give or allow (something).
She grudged him the credit for the project, even though he did all the work.
💡 Simply: It's when you don't want to do something, or don't like giving someone something, especially if it's something they wanted. Like grudgingly sharing your candy.
👶 For kids: To feel a little bit angry or jealous because someone else has something good.
More Examples
He grudged the time spent on the unnecessary task.
The company grudged the resources needed to improve employee morale.
How It's Used
"She grudged him the success he had achieved."
"He begrudged spending money on anything that wasn't essential."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
bear a grudge
To continue to feel angry or bitter about something that happened in the past.
"He still bears a grudge against his former employer for the way he was treated."
have a grudge against
To hold feelings of resentment or ill will towards someone.
"She has a grudge against her former friend for spreading rumors."
From Old French *groucer* (to grumble, complain), ultimately from a Germanic source, related to Old High German *grôzan* (to greet). Originally meant to complain or murmur; the sense of resentment evolved later.
Used in the 14th century, originally as a verb meaning 'to murmur' or 'complain,' then later evolving to its present meaning.
Memory tip
Imagine someone 'grudgingly' paying a debt they resent.