What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resent
Example
She resented her boss for giving her extra work without compensation. [resent: verb]
Example
He couldn't help but feel resentful towards his ex-girlfriend for cheating on him. [resentful: adjective]
despise
Example
I despise people who lie and cheat. [despise: verb]
Example
She had a deep-seated despise for her abusive father. [despise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resent is more commonly used in everyday language than despise. Resent is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while despise is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resent and despise?
Despise is a more formal word than resent. It is often used in more serious or professional contexts, such as legal or academic writing, while resent is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.
