grudging

/ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrə-jiŋ/ (ame, mw)

grudging — adjective

  • grudgingpositive
  • more grudgingcomparative
  • most grudgingsuperlative

1. describes something a person says, does, or gives only because they feel they mu

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes something a person says, does, or gives only because they feel they must, while still feeling annoyed, jealous, or unwilling about it — for example, slow applause for a rival, or a half-hearted apology after losing an argument.

例句

Rin offered a grudging apology to her brother after their argument.

grudging + noun (apology) for an unwilling action

Even the losing team gave grudging respect to Lakshmi's winning goal.

grudging respect/admiration for a rival's achievement

同義詞
  • reluctant

    broader; describes the person's unwillingness rather than the action itself

  • half-hearted

    stresses lack of effort or enthusiasm rather than resentment

  • begrudging

    near-identical meaning; slightly more common in American English

  • unwilling

    plain and direct; lacks the hint of resentment grudging carries

反義詞
  • willing

    positive counterpart — happy to do or give the thing

  • wholehearted

    stresses full enthusiasm and no hidden reluctance

  • enthusiastic

    strong positive feeling about doing or giving

文法句型

grudging + noun

be grudging about + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Almost always attributive (grudging respect / grudging apology / grudging admiration). Common objects: respect, admiration, praise, apology, acceptance, consent, smile — typically positive things given by someone who would rather not give them.

常見錯誤

❌She was grudging to help me.
✅She was grudging in her help' or 'She gave grudging help.
💡grudging is not normally followed by a to-infinitive; use the adjective in front of a noun instead.
❌He felt grudging about the gift he received.
✅He felt resentful about the gift he received.
💡grudging describes the thing given or done, not the feeling itself; use resentful/reluctant for the feeling.