Resentment

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Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is a complex, multilayered emotion^[1] that has been described as a mixture of disappointment, disgust and anger.^[2] Other psychologists consider it a mood^[3] or as a secondary emotion (including cognitive elements) that can be elicited in the face of insult or injury.^[4]

Inherent in resentment is a perception of unfairness (i.e. from trivial to very serious), and a generalized defense against unfair situations (e.g. relationships or unfavourable circumstances).^[3]

The word originates from French "ressentir", re-, intensive prefix, and sentir "to feel"; from the Latin "sentire". The English word has become synonymous with anger, spite, and holding a grudge.