“Resentful” is an adjective that describes a feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of a perceived wrong or injustice. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Bitter
- Meaning: “Bitter” can refer to a sharp, acrid taste, but when used to describe emotions, it means a deep - seated, often long - lasting feeling of pain, disappointment, or resentment. For example, “He was bitter about not getting the promotion he deserved.” In comparison to “resentful,” “bitter” has a stronger connotation of a lasting negative emotion that can color a person's attitude. “Resentful” might imply a more immediate reaction to a specific situation, while “bitter” can suggest a more entrenched feeling that has developed over time.
- Example: “The bitter old man still held a grudge against his former business partner years after their fallout.”
2. Indignant
- Meaning: “Indignant” means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. It emphasizes the sense of moral outrage. For example, “She was indignant when she found out that others had taken credit for her work.” In relation to “resentful,” “indignant” focuses more on the immediate reaction to an injustice. “Resentful” is more about the simmering feeling that persists after the initial perception of wrong. “Indignant” can lead to a more vocal or active response to the unfairness, while “resentful” might be more internalized.
- Example: “The indignant customers demanded an apology from the store manager for the poor service.”
3. Envious (in a negative sense)
- Meaning: “Envious” usually means feeling a grudging admiration or desire for something that someone else has. In a negative context related to “resentful,” it can imply a sense of ill - will because of someone else's advantages. For example, “He was envious of his neighbor's new car and became resentful when he saw it every day.” In contrast to “resentful,” “envious” is more about the coveting of what others have. “Resentful” is more about the negative feelings directed at the situation or person that one perceives as unfair or having caused harm.
- Example: “The envious colleague resented her coworker's success and tried to undermine her.”
4. Spiteful
- Meaning: “Spiteful” means having or showing a desire to harm, annoy, or frustrate someone else, often because of a grudge or a sense of resentment. For example, “The spiteful child broke his brother's toy out of resentment.” In comparison to “resentful,” “spiteful” is more about the malicious actions that result from the feeling of resentment. “Resentful” is the underlying emotion, and “spiteful” is the behavior that can stem from it, indicating a more vindictive nature.
- Example: “She gave a spiteful look when she saw the person who had wronged her.”