breeds resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

"breeds resentment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express how certain actions or behaviours can cause feelings of resentment or bitterness towards another person. For example: "John's constant criticism of his employees breeds resentment within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Such inequality breeds resentment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poverty breeds resentment and frustration.

The Economist

I mean, jealousy just breeds resentment, right?

The New Yorker

Inequity breeds resentment, resistance and non-compliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Europe, just as often, success breeds resentment.

The New York Times

It breeds resentment and anger about their taxes".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Pakistan's wealthy elite rarely pay taxes, and the huge divide between them and the country's desperately poor breeds resentments.

The New York Times

These essays come wrapped around subtle arguments about the limits of globalization — or rather, lessons about how globalization transmits the worst of our culture and breeds resentments.

The New York Times - Books

He bred resentment.

The New York Times

Bans only breed resentment and discord.

The New York Times

Over time, this will breed resentment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breeds resentment", ensure that the subject clearly causes a build-up of negative feelings over time, rather than a sudden outburst of anger. It's best suited for describing systemic issues or ongoing behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "breeds resentment" to describe situations that cause immediate, explosive anger. The phrase implies a gradual, simmering build-up of negative feelings. Use words like "incites" or "provokes" to show immediate anger and frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breeds resentment" functions as a verb phrase where "breeds" is the verb indicating causation and "resentment" is the noun representing the resulting emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. It typically describes the gradual development of negative feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breeds resentment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating that something causes a gradual build-up of negative feelings. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for describing situations where actions or conditions lead to a gradual increase in negative emotions. It is often found in news media, formal writing, and scientific analyses. Understanding the subtle nuances of this expression allows for precise and impactful communication when describing complex social and emotional dynamics. Remember, it is appropriate to situations in which there is a gradual build-up of negative feelings, such as resentment and bitterness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engenders resentment

Emphasizes the creation of resentment, similar to "breeds", but might imply a more passive or indirect causation.

fosters animosity

Focuses on the development of strong dislike or hostility, suggesting a more active cultivation of negative feelings than "breeds resentment".

creates bitterness

Highlights the feeling of bitterness as a result, emphasizing the emotional outcome.

sparks indignation

Suggests a sudden and strong feeling of anger or annoyance at perceived unfairness, differing from the more gradual development implied by "breeds resentment".

provokes discontent

Emphasizes the stirring up of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, rather than the more specific feeling of resentment.

cultivates antagonism

Suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to create opposition or hostility.

gives rise to bitterness

Highlights that something causes bitterness to begin to exist or occur.

incites animosity

Emphasizes the act of urging or provoking animosity, which is a strong dislike or hatred.

fuels resentment

Suggests that something makes existing resentment stronger or more intense.

generates ill will

Focuses on the creation of unfriendly feelings or intentions.

FAQs

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

You can use "breeds resentment" to describe situations where a specific action or condition causes a gradual increase in negative feelings. For example, "Unfair treatment of employees breeds resentment and lowers morale".

What are some alternatives to saying "breeds resentment"?

Alternatives include "engenders resentment", "fosters animosity", or "creates bitterness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "breeds resentment"?

Yes, "breeds resentment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It accurately conveys the idea that something causes a gradual build-up of negative feelings.

What's the difference between "breeds resentment" and "causes anger"?

"Breeds resentment" implies a gradual accumulation of negative feelings over time, while "causes anger" suggests a more immediate and direct emotional response. Resentment is a deeper, more prolonged feeling than simple anger.