bear no ill will

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear no ill will" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to not hold any anger or resentment towards someone. Example: Despite their past disagreements, the two business partners were able to reconcile and remain friends because they both chose to bear no ill will towards each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We bear no ill will towards the Spanish people.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hostages emphasize they bear no ill will against the 9/11 families.

The Washington Post

I bear no ill will towards Gove – he was a worthy adversary and someone who should be respected for getting things done.

The Guardian

But if racists, misanthropes and fugitives have come here looking for their own private Idaho, so have plenty of other people who say they bear no ill will toward anyone else, but simply like the solitude.

The New York Times

Both are signed "Peace from Israel!" Though the only Israelis Jakhbeer and Enshasy have ever met are settlers and soldiers, at whom they threw stones as children, they say they can separate their feelings about Israel's politics from its people, to whom they bear no ill will.

The New York Times

The Newcastle manager made no secret of his desire to keep the former Manchester City man at St James Parkk, and he will bear no ill will as their paths cross once again.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Although he listed a litany of complaints, Gaddafi said he bore no ill will toward Obama.

The Guardian

On Sunday night, Gronkowski said he bore no ill will over the fight.

The Guardian - Sport

She said she bore no ill will to Jackie Kennedy, and took the marriage "in her stride".

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Crossley bears no ill will toward Hooper, but feels that the whole radio industry is suffering from "ratingitis".

The New Yorker

A senior aide to Mr. Ashcroft said the attorney general bore no ill will toward Mr. Fine over the findings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex historical figures or events, the phrase shows impartiality. It indicates an effort to understand the situation without judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "bear no ill will" to suggest indifference or lack of concern. The phrase implies active forgiveness or a decision to move past negative feelings, not a lack of feeling altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear no ill will" functions as a declarative statement expressing the absence of negative feelings or resentment towards someone. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, indicating a deliberate choice to not hold grudges.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bear no ill will" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the absence of resentment or negative feelings towards someone, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not overly common, it finds its place in neutral and news-oriented contexts. The phrase communicates a conscious choice to forgive or move past conflicts. Related phrases include "hold no grudge" and "harbor no resentment". When using it, ensure it conveys active forgiveness rather than mere indifference. Ludwig's examples confirm its applicability in expressing a lack of animosity, particularly after disagreements or conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold no grudge

Implies a conscious decision to let go of resentment.

harbor no resentment

Emphasizes the absence of lingering bitterness.

have no hard feelings

A more informal expression indicating a lack of anger or bitterness.

do not begrudge

Focuses on not envying someone's good fortune or success.

forgive and forget

Stresses both the act of forgiving and the intentional removal of the offense from memory.

let bygones be bygones

An idiomatic expression encouraging the dismissal of past grievances.

turn the other cheek

Implies a willingness to endure further offense without retaliation.

bury the hatchet

Signifies an agreement to end a conflict or dispute.

offer an olive branch

Indicates an attempt to make peace or reconcile.

extend forgiveness

Highlights the act of granting pardon for an offense.

FAQs

What does it mean to "bear no ill will"?

To "bear no ill will" means to harbor no resentment, animosity, or negative feelings towards someone, typically after a disagreement or conflict. It implies a conscious decision to let go of bitterness.

How can I use "bear no ill will" in a sentence?

You can use "bear no ill will" to express a lack of resentment or animosity. For example: "Despite the heated argument, she "held no grudge" and chose to bear no ill will towards her colleague."

What's the difference between "bear no ill will" and "forgive and forget"?

"Bear no ill will" focuses on the absence of negative feelings, while "forgive and forget" implies both forgiving an offense and intentionally removing it from one's memory. The former is about managing your own emotions; the latter is about the action of forgiving.

Are there more formal alternatives to "bear no ill will"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "harbor no resentment" or "do not begrudge" as more formal alternatives to express a similar sentiment.