ressentiment Definition
a psychological state arising from suppressed feelings of envy and hatred that cannot be acted upon, frequently resulting in some form of self-abasement.
Using ressentiment: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ressentiment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His ressentiment towards his successful brother was palpable.
Example
Her ressentiment towards her ex-husband made it difficult for her to move on.
Example
The politician's ressentiment towards the opposition party was evident in his speeches.
ressentiment Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ressentiment
Antonyms for ressentiment
Phrases with ressentiment
a philosophical theory that posits that people who are unable to act on their feelings of resentment and envy will develop a sense of inferiority and self-loathing
Example
Nietzsche's ressentiment theory argues that people who are unable to act on their feelings of resentment and envy will develop a sense of inferiority and self-loathing.
a political strategy that seeks to mobilize voters by stoking feelings of resentment and anger towards a particular group or individual
Example
The politician's ressentiment politics were criticized for being divisive and harmful to social cohesion.
a literary genre that explores the psychological effects of ressentiment, often through characters who are consumed by feelings of bitterness and envy
Example
Dostoevsky's 'Notes from Underground' is a classic example of ressentiment literature.
Origins of ressentiment
from French 'ressentiment', from 'ressentir' meaning 'to feel again'
Summary: ressentiment in Brief
Ressentiment [rəˌsäntiˈmänt, ˌresənˈtēmənt] is a psychological state characterized by suppressed feelings of envy and hatred that cannot be acted upon, often leading to self-abasement. It is exemplified by phrases like 'His ressentiment towards his successful brother was palpable.' Ressentiment theory, ressentiment politics, and ressentiment literature are related concepts that explore the psychological effects of this state.