What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grudge
Example
She held a grudge against her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her. [grudge: noun]
Example
He grudgingly accepted the apology but still held a grudge against his friend. [grudgingly: adverb]
resentment
Example
She felt a deep sense of resentment towards her boss for passing her over for a promotion. [resentment: noun]
Example
He resented his sister for always getting more attention from their parents. [resented: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resentment is more commonly used than grudge in everyday language. Resentment is a strong emotion that can be felt in various contexts, while grudge is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grudge and resentment?
Both grudge and resentment are associated with a negative and informal tone. However, resentment can be used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional settings, while grudge is less versatile and more informal in nature.
