waves of resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waves of resentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, overwhelming feeling of bitterness or anger that is felt by a group of people or an individual. Example: "After the unfair decision was announced, waves of resentment swept through the community, leading to protests and calls for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sometimes all they require is a leader of cunning, a demagogue who reads the waves of resentment and rides them to a popular victory.

The New Yorker

Her fine work with Mr. Broadbent, as her husband, who has to cope with the loss of her faculties, is fine; he is shocked when overcome by waves of resentment.

The New York Times

Her work with Mr. Broadbent as her husband, who has to cope with the loss of her faculties, is fine; he is shocked when overcome by waves of resentment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

European champion Lutalo Muhammad, ranked 59 in the world, faced a wave of resentment after the decision to choose him for the Games.

Independent

The truth is, this was less a dramatic change of heart than the inevitable cresting of a rising wave of resentment toward my own hair.

The New York Times

Immediately after the fighting in Port Said, many Greeks left, fearing a wave of resentment that would extend to all Christians non-Egyptians.

The New Yorker

A wave of resentment against the elites is sweeping Europe, and in Britain this summer, as John Harris has written, we have seen a working-class revolt.

The Guardian

But other times, a wave of resentment welled within her, and she would describe being forced to eat on a dirty table from which chickens were allowed to feed.

The New York Times - Magazine

But what was startling about Phillips's comment was its note of satisfaction, even celebration: 1968 was a banner year for bitter grievance, and Nixon rode a wave of resentment to the White House.

The New Yorker

For now, the companies that have been indicted — and their Internet site addresses seized by the Justice Department — have stopped taking bets from players in the United States, generating a wave of resentment from the millions of players who turned to the games, many several times a day.

The New York Times

Intrade.com, an online betting site, puts the odds of health-care reform passing by the end of June at 33%, while the odds of Mr Obama closing Guantánamo or enacting a cap-and-trade bill by the end of the year are only 20%.Republicans are riding a wave of resentment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waves of resentment" to vividly describe an intense, collective feeling of anger and bitterness, particularly in response to perceived injustices or grievances. This phrase is effective when illustrating a widespread negative sentiment.

Common error

Using "waves of resentment" for minor disagreements can weaken the impact of the phrase. Reserve it for situations involving significant anger and widespread discontent to maintain its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of resentment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It vividly describes a strong, collective feeling of bitterness or anger. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waves of resentment" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a strong, collective feeling of anger and bitterness. While not extremely common, Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English. Its primary function is to convey the widespread nature of negative emotions, particularly in the context of social and political issues. When using this phrase, consider its intensity and reserve it for situations where there is significant anger and discontent. Alternatives such as "surges of indignation" or "rising flood of antagonism" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidal waves of bitterness

Highlights the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of the resentment, drawing a parallel to a destructive natural force.

surges of indignation

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful expression of anger at perceived injustice, focusing on the moral outrage aspect.

rising flood of antagonism

Stresses the escalating nature of the opposition and hostility, suggesting an increasing level of conflict.

outbursts of animosity

Focuses on the active expression and hostile nature of the resentment, suggesting a more overt display of dislike.

groundswell of disapproval

Highlights the public expression of collective opposition

growing tide of discontent

Indicates a gradual increase in unhappiness and dissatisfaction, implying a more widespread and underlying sense of grievance.

pervasive animosity

Highlights that the resentment has been widely spread

deep-seated grievances

Focuses on long-standing feelings of being wronged

accumulated grudges

Emphasizes that the resentment has been built over a considerable amount of time

simmering discontent

Highlights that the resentment is not overt, and can erupt at any time

FAQs

How can I effectively use "waves of resentment" in a sentence?

Use "waves of resentment" to describe a situation where there's a strong, shared feeling of anger and bitterness, often resulting from perceived unfairness or injustice. For example: "After the new policy was announced, "waves of resentment" swept through the office."

What are some alternatives to using "waves of resentment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "surges of indignation", "tidal waves of bitterness", or "rising flood of antagonism" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "waves of resentment" in formal writing?

Yes, "waves of resentment" can be appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing social or political issues where strong emotions are involved. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

How does "waves of resentment" differ from "pockets of resentment"?

"Waves of resentment" implies a widespread and overwhelming feeling, while "pockets of resentment" suggests isolated or localized areas of anger and bitterness. The former is more encompassing, while the latter is more contained.