What does begrudge mean?
Begrudge is a transitive verb with two closely related meanings: to envy or resent someone for possessing or receiving something, and to give or grant something reluctantly, as if parting with it causes pain. In modern English it appears most often in negative constructions — 'I don't begrudge him his success' — where it actually expresses generosity, signalling that the speaker feels no envy at all. Used affirmatively, however, it conveys genuine resentment or stinginess: 'She begrudged every penny of the fee.' The word carries a slightly formal or literary tone and pairs naturally with abstract goods like success, happiness, time, and money. Its structure is transparent: the prefix 'be-' attached to 'grudge', an old word for murmuring complaint that also gives us the noun 'grudge'. Begrudge remains a compact, expressive way to describe the small, human impulse of wishing someone else didn't have quite so much.
verbTo envy or resent someone for having or receiving something; to give or grant something reluctantly, grudgingly, or with ill will.
- To envy or resent someone for having, receiving, or enjoying something.
- To give, spend, or allow something reluctantly or with reluctance and ill will.
"She didn't begrudge her brother the inheritance their parents left him."
"No one in the team begrudged her the award after all the hours she had put in."
"He begrudged every pound he spent on the repairs, muttering about the cost for weeks."
Begrudge literally fuses 'be-' with 'grudge' — so when you begrudge someone their success, you're quite literally holding a grudge against it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of begrudge
Begrudge was formed in Middle English by adding the prefix 'be-' to 'grudge', a verb of imitative or expressive origin meaning to murmur, complain, or sulk. It has been in continuous use since the medieval period, appearing in English literature from Chaucer's era onward. It shares its root with the everyday noun 'grudge', making the connection between the two words immediately audible.
How begrudge is actually used
Most common today in negative constructions ('didn't begrudge', 'never begrudged'), where it signals generous willingness rather than resentment. The affirmative use implies genuine envy. Slightly formal or literary register.
Easily confused with begrudge
As a verb, 'grudge' means to give reluctantly, while 'begrudge' carries the added sense of envying or resenting another's possession of something.