begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

bē-

begrudged; begrudging; begrudges

transitive verb

1

: to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure

begrudge money

begrudged the weeks spent away from home

2

: to look upon with disapproval or envy

begrudge their rivals' success

begrudger

bi-ˈgrə-jər 

bē-

noun

Synonyms

• envy
• resent

Examples of begrudge in a Sentence

She's worked hard to get where she is. You shouldn't begrudge her the success she's earned.

After what he's been through, it's hard to begrudge him the money he has.

You shouldn't begrudge her success.

Many commuters begrudge every minute spent in traffic.

Recent Examples on the Web

The movie does not begrudge him his self-importance. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 12 July 2024

With all that going on, who can begrudge a little villainy? —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 July 2024

Those who drive or live near multiple transportation lines should not begrudge those of us who live in a transit desert more options. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 July 2024

No one should begrudge the Governor for having higher aspirations. —Tom Lackey, Orange County Register, 9 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English begrucchen, from be- be- + grucchen, gruggen "to murmur, grudge entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

begrudge

verb

be·​grudge bi-ˈgrəj 

: to give or do reluctantly

begrudge a person a favor

begrudgingly

-ˈgrəj-iŋ-lē 

adverb