Grudging vs. Begrudging — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Grudging implies reluctant acceptance often with displeasure, while begrudging involves envying someone else's possession or enjoyment.
Difference Between Grudging and Begrudging
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Grudging refers to the act of giving or allowing something very unwillingly, highlighting a sense of resistance and discomfort. On the other hand, begrudging denotes a specific feeling of envy or resentment towards someone else’s happiness or success.
When someone acts in a grudging manner, it is primarily about their reluctance to accept a situation or decision. Whereas, begrudging is more about feeling or expressing resentment because someone else has something that one wishes for oneself.
Grudging often appears in contexts involving acceptance under duress or obligation, showing a lack of enthusiasm. In contrast, begrudging typically arises in scenarios where there is an emotional response to another’s advantage or gain.
Expressions like "a grudging apology" suggest that the apology is made unwillingly and with minimal effort, emphasizing the speaker's displeasure. Conversely, a statement such as “He begrudged her the promotion” indicates jealousy or resentment towards her achievement.
Grudging can reflect a broader range of reluctances, not necessarily envying but possibly arising from fairness or principle concerns. Begrudging, however, is more narrowly focused on feelings related to envy or jealousy.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Emotion
Reluctance, unwillingness
Envy, resentment
Context of Use
Acceptance, acknowledgment under duress
Reaction to someone else’s advantage
Connotation
Negative, forced compliance
Negative, envious
Typical Expressions
Grudging respect, grudging acceptance
Begrudged him his success
Focus
On the self’s reaction
On the advantages of others
Compare with Definitions
Grudging
Barely sufficient or begrudged.
He did the bare minimum in a grudging manner.
Begrudging
Envying someone's possession or enjoyment.
She begrudgingly congratulated her rival.
Grudging
Done or shown unwillingly.
Her grudging compliance was evident in her tone.
Begrudging
Resenting the advantage or happiness of others.
He always had a begrudging attitude towards wealthy people.
Grudging
Reluctantly accepting something.
He gave a grudging nod in agreement.
Begrudging
Showing unwillingness to give or allow something.
He begrudgingly shared his knowledge.
Grudging
Involving or reflecting reluctance.
She offered a grudging apology.
Begrudging
Done with envy or resentment.
Her accolades were met with begrudging applause.
Grudging
Marked by resentment or lack of generosity.
The grudging respect he earned was hard won.
Begrudging
Reluctant to admit the merits of others.
He begrudgingly admitted her success.
Grudging
Reluctant; unwilling.
Begrudging
To envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of (something)
She begrudged him his youth.
Grudging
Unwilling or with reluctance.
Her grudging acceptance that her rival deserved the award
Begrudging
To give or expend with reluctance
Begrudged every penny spent.
Grudging
Present participle of grudge
Begrudging
Present participle of begrudge
Grudging
The state of bearing a grudge.
Begrudging
Grudgeful, envious
Grudging
Of especially an attitude;
Gave grudging consent
Grudging acceptance of his opponent's victory
Begrudging
Reluctant
Grudging
Reluctant to give or share;
Grudging in her praise
Begrudging
Being given reluctantly or with displeasure.
Grudging
Petty in giving or spending;
A niggardly tip
Common Curiosities
Can someone act in a grudging way without being begrudging?
Yes, one can act grudgingly by merely being reluctant without necessarily envying others.
What does begrudging mean?
Begrudging refers to envying someone else's enjoyment or possessions.
How do grudging and begrudging manifest in behavior?
Grudging behavior shows reluctance and minimal effort, while begrudging often involves negative feelings towards others' successes.
What does grudging mean?
Grudging means done or given unwillingly, often with displeasure.
Is begrudging always related to jealousy?
Typically, begrudging involves elements of envy or jealousy, focusing on others' gains.
Can begrudging affect relationships?
Yes, begrudging feelings can lead to resentment, which might strain relationships.
What is an example of a grudging acceptance?
An example is accepting a job offer after a preferred position was not available.
Is grudging considered a negative trait?
Generally, being grudging is seen negatively as it implies unwillingness and displeasure.
Are there positive aspects of begrudging?
While typically seen negatively, acknowledging begrudging feelings can lead to personal insight and growth.
How does begrudging affect workplace dynamics?
Begrudging can create a hostile work environment due to jealousy or resentment towards colleagues' successes.
How do you handle a begrudging coworker?
Addressing the situation openly or seeking mediation can help manage the relationship.
What is the difference between grudging respect and begrudging respect?
Grudging respect is given reluctantly but without envy, whereas begrudging respect includes elements of jealousy.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
