begrudge
What does "begrudge" mean?
To begrudge someone something is to feel resentful or unhappy that they possess or enjoy it. The mental image is of someone watching another person receive a gift or success while feeling a bitter sting of envy or a sense that the other person is undeserving. It is a formal verb that suggests a lack of generosity of spirit. It is frequently used in the negative, such as "I don't begrudge him his success," which is a common way to express that you are genuinely happy for someone despite any personal difficulties you might be facing.
"begrudge" in conversation
Discussing a colleague's promotion
I heard Mark finally got the manager role.
I heard Mark finally got the manager role.
Good for him. I don't begrudge him the promotion, even if I wanted it myself.
Good for him. I don't begrudge him the promotion, even if I wanted it myself.
Used here to show professional maturity and lack of jealousy.
Watching a wealthy neighbor
They just bought their third luxury car this year.
They just bought their third luxury car this year.
I begrudge them every penny of it, given how they treat their staff.
I begrudge them every penny of it, given how they treat their staff.
Used to express moral indignation rather than simple envy.
"begrudge" in a sentence
She does not begrudge her sister the inheritance.
She does not begrudge her sister the inheritance.
It is hard not to begrudge the time spent waiting in line.
It is hard not to begrudge the time spent waiting in line.
He begrudged the small amount of effort required to help his neighbor.
He begrudged the small amount of effort required to help his neighbor.
