grudge 🔊
Meaning of grudge
A persistent feeling of resentment or ill will stemming from a past insult or injury.
Key Difference
A grudge is typically long-lasting and deeply personal, unlike general resentment or anger, which may be temporary or less intense.
Example of grudge
- Despite years passing, he still held a grudge against his former friend for betraying his trust.
- She carried a grudge against her rival after losing the competition unfairly.
Synonyms
resentment 🔊
Meaning of resentment
Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
Key Difference
Resentment is a broader feeling of displeasure, while a grudge is more focused and enduring.
Example of resentment
- He felt resentment toward his boss for overlooking his promotion.
- Her resentment grew as she saw others receiving preferential treatment.
animosity 🔊
Meaning of animosity
Strong hostility or antagonism.
Key Difference
Animosity is more openly hostile, whereas a grudge can be silently harbored.
Example of animosity
- The animosity between the two political parties was evident during the debate.
- Years of rivalry had built deep animosity between the two athletes.
malice 🔊
Meaning of malice
The intention or desire to do evil or cause harm.
Key Difference
Malice involves active ill will, while a grudge may not always lead to harmful actions.
Example of malice
- The vandalism was done with clear malice toward the property owner.
- She spread rumors about him out of pure malice.
bitterness 🔊
Meaning of bitterness
Anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly.
Key Difference
Bitterness is a general emotional state, while a grudge is directed at a specific person or event.
Example of bitterness
- The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable as he spoke about his divorce.
- Decades later, she still felt bitterness over the lost opportunity.
vendetta 🔊
Meaning of vendetta
A prolonged feud or campaign against someone, often seeking revenge.
Key Difference
A vendetta is more aggressive and action-oriented, while a grudge can remain passive.
Example of vendetta
- The family's vendetta lasted for generations, with each side seeking retribution.
- He waged a personal vendetta against those who had wronged him.
rancor 🔊
Meaning of rancor
Deep-seated resentment or bitterness.
Key Difference
Rancor is more intense and long-lasting than a typical grudge, often with a sense of moral outrage.
Example of rancor
- The rancor between the two leaders made any compromise impossible.
- Her speech was filled with rancor toward the unjust system.
spite 🔊
Meaning of spite
A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
Key Difference
Spite involves petty or vindictive actions, while a grudge may not always manifest in behavior.
Example of spite
- He refused to help her out of sheer spite.
- The decision was made in spite, not for any logical reason.
antipathy 🔊
Meaning of antipathy
A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion.
Key Difference
Antipathy is a general dislike, while a grudge stems from a specific past incident.
Example of antipathy
- She felt an instant antipathy toward the arrogant newcomer.
- His antipathy for authority figures made it hard for him to hold a job.
enmity 🔊
Meaning of enmity
The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile.
Key Difference
Enmity implies mutual hostility, while a grudge can be one-sided.
Example of enmity
- The enmity between the neighboring countries led to frequent conflicts.
- Their enmity dated back to a business deal gone wrong.
Conclusion
- A grudge is a deeply personal and enduring resentment, often tied to a specific past event.
- Resentment can be used when referring to a broader, less focused feeling of displeasure.
- Animosity is best when describing open hostility or antagonism between parties.
- Malice should be used when there is an intent to harm or do evil.
- Bitterness fits when describing a general emotional state of anger and disappointment.
- Vendetta is appropriate for describing an active, often prolonged campaign of revenge.
- Rancor is suitable for intense, morally charged resentment.
- Spite works when describing petty or vindictive actions driven by ill will.
- Antipathy is best for a general, deep-seated dislike without a specific cause.
- Enmity is the right choice when referring to mutual hostility or opposition.