grudge

Everyday

1. A grudge is a feeling of anger or dislike you keep for a long time against someone who you think treated you badly. tree →
2. To hold or bear a grudge is to keep that feeling and not forgive. tree →
3. To grudge (or begrudge) something is to give it or let someone have it unwillingly. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about feelings and friendship, holding a grudge is shown as hurting yourself more than the other person; forgiving lets go of a grudge. In stories, an old grudge explains why characters are enemies. A «grudge match» is a game between rivals.

Examples

• He held a grudge against me for weeks. tree →
• Don't hold a grudge — say sorry and move on. tree →
• The two families had an old grudge. tree →
• She doesn't bear grudges; she forgives quickly. tree →
• It was a grudge match between the two teams. tree →
• I don't grudge him his win; he trained hard. tree →
• Holding a grudge made her feel bad inside. tree →
• Do not grudge others what you cannot enjoy yourself. tree →

Note

Countable: grudges. Phrases: «hold a grudge», «bear a grudge», «have a grudge against someone». Adjective «grudging» = unwilling («a grudging thank-you»).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The verse that links "bear no grudge" to "love thy neighbour as thyself" is a central Jewish rule. Rabbi Akiva called love of neighbour a great principle of the Torah, and the sages taught that a grudge means refusing to help someone who refused you. In the primary lessons: In lessons about feelings and friendship, holding a grudge is shown as hurting yourself more than the other person; forgiving lets go of a grudge. In stories, an old grudge explains why characters are enemies. A «grudge match» is a game between rivals.

Examples

• Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. (Torah LEV.19.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Will He bear grudge for ever? (Prophets JER.3.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; I will not frown upon you; for I am merciful, saith the LORD, I will not bear grudge for ever. (Prophets JER.3.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: grudges. Phrases: «hold a grudge», «bear a grudge», «have a grudge against someone». Adjective «grudging» = unwilling («a grudging thank-you»).