begrudging
bi-GRUJ-ing
/bɪˈɡrʌdʒ.ɪŋ/
Given, granted, or allowed reluctantly, unwillingly, or with obvious resentment.
Emphasizes the visible unwillingness of the person handing over praise, money, or permission.
The story behind the word. Combines the English prefix be- (thoroughly) with Middle English grudgen, derived from Old French groucher ('to murmur or grumble'). It describes someone muttering complaints while handing over what is demanded.
Word relationships
- reluctant: Reluctant describes general hesitation without necessarily carrying personal bitterness.
- grudging: Grudging is nearly synonymous, though begrudging often carries a slightly stronger tone of active envy.
- enthusiastic: Enthusiastic implies eagerness and full wholehearted support.
- gracious: Gracious means acting with warm, generous, and courteous goodwill.
Commonly confused with
- grudging: Both mean reluctant, but begrudging frequently stresses envying the recipient's good fortune.
Word family
- begrudge (verb): To envy someone the possession or enjoyment of something.
- begrudgingly (adverb): In a reluctant or resentful manner.
Collocations
- begrudging respect
- begrudging acceptance
- begrudging compliance
- begrudging nod
Idioms & expressions
- begrudging admiration
Example sentences
- "The veteran critic gave a begrudging respect to the young director's innovative cinematic choices." Critical review
- "After hours of tense debate, the council offered a begrudging approval of the revised municipal budget." Political negotiation
Memory hook
If you BE-GRUDGE someone, you give them something while holding a GRUDGE. BEGRUDGE yields with a GRUDGE.
When not to use
Do not use to describe an internal feeling of desire; it applies to actions like granting, conceding, or praising.
Fun facts
- The root 'grouch' (meaning an ill-tempered person) comes directly from the same Anglo-French source as grudging and begrudging.
Explore more words
resentment, parsimonious, spiteful, uncomplimentary, recalcitrant, concession
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