grudging
GRUJ-ing
/ˈɡrʌdʒ.ɪŋ/
Given, granted, or allowed with reluctance, hesitation, or obvious discontent.
Focuses on the visible, unenthusiastic delivery of an action, acknowledgement, or gift.
The story behind the word. Originates from Middle English grutchen ('to grumble or murmur'). It was an imitative word mimicking the low, guttural murmur people make when forced to do something they dislike.
Word relationships
- reluctant: Reluctant describes internal hesitation without necessarily projecting dissatisfaction.
- unwilling: Unwilling is a direct statement of refusal or resistance to act.
- wholehearted: Wholehearted means completely sincere, enthusiastic, and without reservation.
- eager: Eager implies enthusiastic readiness to act or give.
Commonly confused with
- drudging: Drudging refers to doing hard, boring labor, while grudging refers to acting with reluctance.
Word family
- grudge (noun): A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment.
- grudge (verb): To yield or give reluctantly.
- grudgingly (adverb): In a grudging or hesitant manner.
Collocations
- grudging admiration
- grudging permission
- grudging respect
- grudging nod
Idioms & expressions
- grudging acceptance
Example sentences
- "He gave a grudging admision that his rival's theory was supported by the experimental data." Formal debate
- "Her grudging nod was the only sign that she had heard her father's apology." Literary analysis
Memory hook
GRUDGING people SLOUCH and GRUMBLE while doing their job. GRUDGING grumbles as it gives.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who is eager or willing to collaborate.
Fun facts
- The word 'grudge' as a noun for an old grievance developed after the adjective 'grudging' was already in widespread use.
Related words
Explore more words
resentment, spiteful, grievance, resigned, animosity, recalcitrant
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