a little resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little resentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of bitterness or ill feelings someone may have towards a situation or person. Example: "After the meeting, I felt a little resentment towards my colleague for taking credit for my ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He was entitled, in the decades that followed, to a little resentment.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bush's use of the patriotism card bred more than a little resentment among Democrats.

The New York Times

"If I'm a jeweler, we may have a little resentment against each other".

The New York Times

There is a lot of pride and a little resentment in his voice when he talks about such things.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's a chance that the person who didn't get in might feel a little resentment they didn't get in.

The New York Times

In 1883, Americans greeted the time change with Y2K-style trepidation and with not a little resentment that the railroads were once again impinging on their daily routines.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The City's preeminence as a financial center caused no little resentment among rival European centers outside Britain, and they and their governments are not likely to afford a non-EU Britain any of its former privileges.

Los Angeles Times

For a long time, there seemed to be little resentment of the fact that Bloomberg had bought the mayoralty.

The New Yorker

Hayat happens to be Dalal and Fadwa's cousin — Hayat and her mother moved to America many years before, and she has become more or less assimilated — and her surprise arrival stirs up more than a little culinary resentment in Fadwa.

The New York Times

Most informants who had recovered sufficiently to be interviewed expressed little resentment towards the healer who had chained them, viewing it as a necessary part of the process of healing and perhaps unavoidable given their disturbed behaviour.

Globalization and Health

But among them, there is little resentment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little resentment", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended degree of negativity. It's suitable for situations where the feeling is mild or suppressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a little resentment" when the situation warrants a stronger term like anger or bitterness. Overusing it can dilute the impact and make your writing seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little resentment" functions as a noun phrase, where "resentment" is the noun and "a little" acts as a determiner and quantifier. It modifies the noun to indicate a small degree of the emotion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little resentment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a mild feeling of bitterness or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey. Remember that while it's often acceptable to acknowledge such feelings, expressing them overtly might not always be appropriate. Consider alternative phrases like "slight annoyance" or "mild irritation" to fine-tune the emotional nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smidgen of resentment

Replaces "little" with "smidgen" to denote an even smaller amount of resentment.

slight annoyance

Focuses on the minor degree of irritation rather than the deeper feeling of resentment.

mild irritation

Highlights the gentleness of the frustration experienced.

a touch of bitterness

Emphasizes the presence of a negative feeling, but in a subtle way.

some lingering animosity

Suggests that the negative feeling remains over time.

a hint of displeasure

Conveys a more understated and polite expression of unhappiness.

a shadow of discontent

Implies a subtle but noticeable feeling of dissatisfaction.

a degree of indignation

Focuses on the feeling of being treated unfairly, which leads to resentment.

a modicum of grudge

Indicates a small amount of a long-lasting feeling of resentment.

faint umbrage

Highlights a slight feeling of offense or annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "a little resentment" in a sentence?

You can use "a little resentment" to describe a mild feeling of bitterness or annoyance towards someone or something. For example, "She felt "a little resentment" when her colleague took credit for her idea".

What are some alternatives to "a little resentment"?

Alternatives include "slight annoyance", "mild irritation", or "a touch of bitterness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to express "a little resentment"?

While it's natural to experience resentment, consider the social context. Expressing it might not always be appropriate, especially in professional settings. Sometimes, acknowledging it internally is sufficient.

What's the difference between "a little resentment" and "a lot of resentment"?

"A little resentment" indicates a mild feeling, while "a lot of resentment" suggests a strong, significant feeling of bitterness and animosity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion.