resent

Everyday

1. To feel angry and hurt about something you think is unfair, often for a long time. tree →
2. To feel bitter towards a person because of what they did or have. tree →
3. (spelling sense, often written «re-sent») Sent again, as the past of «resend». tree →
4. To resent can also mean to say something angrily because you feel insulted. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows hidden feelings: a stepsister resents Cinderella, a child resents a new rule. In personal and social education it helps pupils name the feeling and talk about it instead of letting it grow. Phrases: «resent being told», «resent someone for», «deeply resent».

Examples

• He resented being picked last for the team. tree →
• Cinderella's stepsisters resented her kindness. tree →
• I resent having to do all the washing-up. tree →
• Don't resent your brother for winning; congratulate him. tree →
• She resented the new rule about phones. tree →
• The email bounced back, so I re-sent it. tree →
• “Uun!” resented the people, suddenly stricken glum. “Let us kill the silly pair! tree →

Note

Pronounced «ri-ZENT» for the feeling, but «ree-SENT» for «sent again» — a homograph trap. Regular verb: resented. Noun: «resentment»; adjective: «resentful». Followed by «-ing»: «resent doing».