feel resentful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel resentful" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used to describe an emotional state.
For example: "She felt resentful of her brother's success".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enough decent MPs are feeling the heat to also feel resentful.

The Guardian

That has meant that some Russians feel resentful, and would like to express their resentment by causing trouble in the world.

Forbes

Instead of feeling honored by being asked to help, the student will feel resentful because the request has triggered a pre-learned response.

WikiHow

Should I ask him to never fly again and cause him to feel resentful, or should I not share my feelings about this with him?

Huffington Post

Nor do I feel resentful.

The Guardian - Opinion

You feel angry, you feel resentful.

The Guardian - Books

Nachman was beginning to feel resentful again.

The New Yorker

"I do feel resentful," she admits.

The Guardian

Try not to feel resentful about your situation.

The New York Times

Didn't you feel resentful putting your career on hold?

The Guardian

But I don't feel resentful about it any more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the object of your resentment, be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, "feel resentful towards their success" is clearer than simply "feel resentful."

Common error

Ensure you're accurately portraying resentment, which involves a sense of unfairness or being wronged. Simply feeling angry or sad isn't necessarily resentment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel resentful" functions as a verb phrase, where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "resentful", describing the subject's emotional state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel resentful" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sense of bitterness or indignation stemming from perceived unfairness. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, from news articles to personal blogs. While it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the emotion genuinely reflects resentment rather than mere anger or sadness, it remains a versatile and effective way to communicate this specific emotion. When writing, remember to specify the object of your resentment for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harbor resentment

Focuses on holding onto and nurturing feelings of resentment over time.

feel bitter about

Highlights the acrimony and cynicism associated with the feeling.

feel aggrieved

Emphasizes the sense of being wronged or unfairly treated.

feel indignant

Stresses the anger and outrage at perceived injustice.

be displeased with

Implies a more subdued and formal expression of dissatisfaction.

bear a grudge

Highlights the act of maintaining animosity and seeking retribution.

nurse a grievance

Focuses on dwelling on and preserving a sense of injustice.

feel discontented

Highlights a general lack of satisfaction and happiness.

feel sour

Implies a pervading negativity and unpleasantness in one's feelings.

feel wronged

Emphasizes the belief that one has been treated unfairly or unjustly.

FAQs

How can I use "feel resentful" in a sentence?

You can use "feel resentful" to express a sense of bitterness or indignation resulting from a perceived wrong or unfairness. For example, "I feel resentful that I wasn't given the same opportunities as my peers."

What are some synonyms for "feel resentful"?

Alternatives to "feel resentful" include "harbor resentment", "feel bitter about", or "feel aggrieved". These options provide similar nuances in expressing discontent or indignation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feeling resentful"?

Yes, "feeling resentful" is grammatically correct. It functions as a present participle phrase, often used to describe an ongoing or current state of resentment. For example, "Feeling resentful, she avoided her colleague."

What's the difference between "feel resentful" and "feel angry"?

"Feel resentful" implies a specific kind of anger rooted in a sense of injustice or being wronged, whereas "feel angry" is a more general expression of displeasure or irritation. Resentment often involves a comparison to others or a perceived unfairness.