The word "begrudge" is spelled with the letters "b-e-g-r-u-d-g-e" and is pronounced as /bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/. The "b" at the beginning is pronounced as a voiced bilabial stop, followed by a short "e" sound, as in "bed". The "gr" in the middle is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative, followed by a retroflex approximant. The final "ge" is pronounced as a voiced postalveolar affricate, with a short "u" sound, as in "bud". To begrudge something means to envy or resent someone else for having or doing something that you want.
Begrudge is a verb that refers to a feeling of resentment, envy, or annoyance towards someone due to their possession, success, or achievements. When someone begrudges another person, they harbor negative emotions and ill-will towards them, often stemming from a sense of injustice, unfairness, or perceived inequality.
To begrudge someone typically involves feeling unhappy or displeased with the fact that they have something, enjoy a certain status, or achieve accomplishments that one desires for themselves. This feeling may be accompanied by a sense of bitterness, jealousy, or even hostility towards the person who is the target of the begrudging.
This verb can also convey the act of reluctantly giving or granting something to someone, especially when done with ill-will or discontent. It implies a feeling of resentment or reluctance in providing or sharing, often due to the belief that what is being given or shared could have been better utilized or obtained personally.
In summary, to begrudge encompasses both a feeling of resentment towards someone's possessions or achievements and the act of reluctantly giving or granting something with discontent. It encapsulates the negative emotions, envy, and unhappiness associated with perceiving an inequality or feeling deprived in comparison to another person.
To grudge; to envy the possession of.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "begrudge" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "be-" (meaning "to cause to be, to make, to affect, or to surround") and the word "grudge", which originally meant "to grumble or complain".
The term "grudge" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "grucchen", meaning "to murmur or complain". This word came from the Proto-Germanic *gruganą, which had a similar meaning.
Over time, the prefix "be-" was added to "grudge", intensifying its meaning. It turned "grudge" into a verb, "begrucchen", which transformed into "begrudge".