noun
Uncommon
grudge
gruhj
Grudge (noun) means a long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong. Example: “She still holds a grudge against her old business partner.”
noun
1
A long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong.
"She still holds a grudge against her old business partner."
"Let it go — there's no point holding a grudge for years."
verb
1
To be reluctant to give or allow something.
"He grudged every penny he had to spend on repairs."
How to use grudge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLingering resentment over something someone did to you in the past.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
hold a grudge
bear a grudge
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Word forms
- Plural
- grudges
- Third person singular
- grudges
- Past tense
- grudged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She still holds a _____ against her old business partner.
Etymology
A variant of the older word grutch, from Old French grouchier meaning to grumble or murmur, likely imitative in origin.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for grudge
See all rhymes for grudge →Frequently asked questions
What does “grudge” mean?
The word “grudge” means a long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong. In plain terms, lingering resentment over something someone did to you in the past.
How do you pronounce “grudge”?
“Grudge” is pronounced gruhj (/ɡɹʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grudge” in a sentence?
Here is “grudge” used in a sentence: “She still holds a grudge against her old business partner.”
What part of speech is “grudge”?
Depending on how it is used, “grudge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grudge” come from?
The word “grudge” comes from Old French. A variant of the older word grutch, from Old French grouchier meaning to grumble or murmur, likely imitative in origin.
Is “grudge” a common word?
“Grudge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grudge” have?
“Grudge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong.
