Begrudging

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Demonstrating an unwilling disposition to share or concede, typically reflecting inner bitterness about another's fortune or success, indicates a refusal to provide genuine approval or kindness
2. Exhibiting a reluctant attitude towards giving credit or support, often stemming from jealousy or resentment, and signifying a lack of wholehearted endorsement or appreciation
3. Showing an unwillingness to offer praise or acknowledgment, frequently due to feelings of envy or hostility, and representing a half-hearted or insincere stance in recognition

Etymology: "Begrudging" is the present participle of "begrudge," and the verb's history is a neat example of a prefix doing a lot of work. Middle English "bigrucchen" meant "to grumble at," built from the prefix "be-," meaning "at, about, over," and "grudge," the older word for a complaint or resentful murmur. So the original sense was closer to muttering over something than to holding a bitter feeling inside. Over time the verb shifted from voicing complaint toward the resentment behind it. To begrudge something came to mean giving it unwillingly, or feeling put out that someone else has it. Hence the adjective's blend of reluctance and resentment: a begrudging apology is one offered grudgingly, with the grumbling still audible underneath.

Synonyms: reluctant, unwilling, resentful, grudging, discontented

Antonyms: willing, enthusiastic, happy, supportive, cheerful