harbouring resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harbouring resentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of holding onto feelings of bitterness or anger towards someone or something over time. Example: "Despite their attempts to reconcile, she found herself harbouring resentment towards her colleague for the unfair treatment she had received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hamilton said that Rosberg had admitted on Thursday in a team meeting that he was still harbouring resentment over the team orders controversy at the previous race in Hungary.

BBC

Anyone who is UKIP was basically turned down for a spot on Bullseye once because their mullet wasn't considered luscious enough and have been harbouring resentment about it ever since.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The speech contained clear signs that May has been harbouring resentments for years of being trapped in the outer-inner core of David Cameron's cabinet.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Anna gave up so much for survival, but it's never felt like she harboured resentment," Cassidy says.

The Guardian

"There is a legacy of injustice, and that injustice harbours resentment," says Richard Bennett, the Asia-Pacific director of Amnesty International.Recently Kabul saw a flash of the resentment toward international troops at its fiercest.

The Economist

There may be autobiographical matter embedded within the text of a novel which some critic may wish to tease out, but the issue is not usually central to our understanding or enjoyment of it.The poetry of Carol Ann Duffy has often consisted of monologues, poems spoken in the voices of the urban disaffected, people on the margins of society who harbour resentments and grudges against the world.

The Economist

Camilla is distracted from him, harbouring a resentment he can hardly understand; he feels it "rising like a vapour" as they lie side by side in the tent, looking at the "vision of leaf-shadows" stencilled on its fabric.

The Guardian - Books

But Jonah didn't want to do it, which I respect and still harbour resentment towards".

The Guardian - Film

The English neutral may still also harbour resentment about Frank Lampard's disallowed goal in the second-round match in 2010, when the ball bounced a barely-noticeable six-to-10 yards over the line.

Independent

There's not a lot of event, at least not presented in such a way that it coheres into story: a boy harbours resentment against his imam father; another develops a crush on his teacher; a girl has an accident that, late in this sleepy film, suddenly makes your heart leap into your throat.

Independent

Although some Russians silently harbour resentment over the domination of the country's political and public life by a new Kazakh elite, the potentially explosive relations between the two leading ethnic groups were defused two years ago with the passing of a language law: Kazakh was declared the state language and Russian the language of common use.But the harmony may not last.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harbouring resentment", consider the intensity and duration of the feeling you want to convey. It implies a sustained and somewhat hidden feeling of bitterness.

Common error

Avoid using "harbouring resentment" for fleeting or minor annoyances. It suggests a deep-seated, lingering bitterness rather than a momentary frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbouring resentment" functions as a verb phrase describing a state of mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to depict the act of holding onto feelings of bitterness or anger over time. Examples show the expression in sentences that specify towards whom or what the resentment is directed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harbouring resentment" describes the act of holding onto feelings of bitterness or anger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and use. Grammatically correct, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a deep-seated, lingering feeling. For alternatives, consider phrases like "holding a grudge" or "nursing a grievance". Avoid using it for fleeting annoyances; reserve it for describing sustained, significant feelings of bitterness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding a grudge

Indicates a persistent feeling of resentment, with a focus on the act of maintaining negative feelings.

bearing a grudge

Highlights the act of carrying resentment over time, similar to "holding a grudge".

nursing a grievance

Implies carefully maintaining and dwelling on a source of resentment or complaint.

nurturing bitterness

Emphasizes the act of feeding and intensifying feelings of bitterness or cynicism.

fostering animosity

Suggests actively encouraging and developing feelings of hostility or strong dislike.

clinging to bitterness

Indicates a strong unwillingness to let go of feelings of bitterness or resentment.

seething with resentment

Suggests an intense, suppressed feeling of anger and bitterness.

remaining embittered

Focuses on the state of being made bitter or resentful, and remaining in that condition.

maintaining animosity

Implies a conscious effort to keep feelings of hostility alive.

retaining ill will

Focuses on keeping negative feelings and a desire to harm someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "harbouring resentment" to describe someone who secretly holds onto feelings of bitterness or anger. For instance, "Despite their apologies, she found herself harbouring resentment towards them for their past actions."

What are some alternatives to "harbouring resentment"?

Alternatives include "holding a grudge", "nursing a grievance", or "fostering animosity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "harbouring resentment" or "harboring resentment"?

"Harbouring" is the British English spelling, while "harboring" is the American English spelling. Both are correct depending on the context and regional writing style.

What's the difference between "harbouring resentment" and "holding a grudge"?

"Harbouring resentment" implies a more subtle, perhaps even subconscious, holding onto of negative feelings. "Holding a grudge" can be more overt and conscious, involving active bitterness.