Ressentiments

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A deep-seated feeling of ill will or resentment arising from perceived injustices or wrongs; a lingering bitterness that can affect one's emotions and behavior negatively; an emotional response that often includes feelings of hostility and dissatisfaction towards others based on past grievances
2. A psychological state characterized by unresolved feelings of anger or resentment, often leading to a clouded perspective on relationships; a complex emotional reaction involving bitterness and a lack of forgiveness; an internal struggle reflecting the impact of past offenses on one’s current sentiments
3. An emotional turmoil stemming from real or imagined offenses that manifests as hostility or resentment; a form of emotional baggage that can hinder personal relationships; a complex mixture of anger and disappointment that colors one’s interactions with others

Etymology: "Ressentiments" is simply the plural of "ressentiment," and the singular carries the whole history. The French noun comes from an archaic use of the verb "ressentir," which descends through Old French "sentir" from Latin "sentire," meaning "to feel." Its core meaning of feeling strongly or feeling in return is therefore the oldest layer. The sense of lasting bitterness and refusal to forgive is a semantic loan from German, where "Ressentiment" had taken on that meaning. English has a close relative in "resentment," which comes from the same source. The two are doublets, so the English word and the French one are different branches of one family.

Synonyms: resentments, bitterness, grudges

Antonyms: forgiveness, understanding, acceptance