begrudge

[bih-gruhj]

verb (used with object)

begrudged, begrudging 

1. to envy or resent the pleasure or good fortune of (someone).

   She begrudged her friend the award.

2. to be reluctant to give, grant, or allow.

   She did not begrudge the money spent on her children's education.

begrudge

/ bɪˈɡrʌdʒ /

verb

1. to give, admit, or allow unwillingly or with a bad grace

2. to envy (someone) the possession of (something)

Other Word Forms

• begrudgingly adverb
• unbegrudged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of begrudge¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English bigrucchen; be-, grudge

Synonym Study

See envy.

Example Sentences

I don’t begrudge some recognition for a series that dominated the pop culture landscape for its two-month run, but nominating seven of its regular cast members reveals a lack of imagination among voters.

From Los Angeles Times

I begrudge no one the desire to reboot a groundbreaking series, and two years ago, the prospect of seeing these iconic 30-somethings as mid-to-late 50-somethings was certainly appealing to one who shares their mature demographic.

From Los Angeles Times

Nobody is going to begrudge him leaving to go to a bigger club.

From BBC

At the same time, I do not begrudge anything that's more how people see me, and I'm happy to do that.

From Salon

What do you think America will witness first: a female president or our begrudging acknowledgment of Britain’s cheekiest pop icon?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• envy