English vocabulary · C1
Begrudge
/bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/ · v.
Begrudge means to feel unhappy when another person gets or enjoys something. You think the person should not have it, even when it may be fair.
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Example sentences
- I do not begrudge her the promotion.
- He begrudged his brother every success.
Word origin and roots
from Middle English
- bigrucchen — complain (from Middle English)
Synonyms and nuances
- RESENT — remain angry about something (Feel Bitter About)
- ENVY — feel jealous of another person (Want What They Have)
- WITHHOLD — keep something back (Refuse To Give)
Related words
- grudge — a lasting feeling of resentment
Lesson notes
Begrudge means to feel unhappy when another person gets or enjoys something. You think the person should not have it, even when it may be fair.
Related: resent, envy, withhold. Use begrudge when you dislike another person's gain and do not want them to enjoy it.
I do not begrudge her the promotion. He begrudged his brother every success.
From Middle English. Bigrucchen meant complain. It became begrudge. Today, it means to resent what someone receives.