Anger vs. Resentment: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 27, 2023
Anger is an intense, often short-lived emotional response to provocation, while resentment is a persistent feeling of ill will or bitterness resulting from past insults or injuries.
Key Differences
Anger is a strong emotional reaction, often immediate and intense, typically triggered by a specific event or situation. Resentment, in contrast, is a more enduring emotion, simmering and growing over time, often stemming from perceived wrongs or injustices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
While anger is usually expressed openly through words or actions, resentment tends to be harbored internally, leading to a prolonged sense of bitterness and grudge-holding. Anger can be seen as a flame that burns brightly and quickly, whereas resentment is more like embers that smolder over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Anger is often directed towards a specific person or situation and is usually resolved once the triggering issue is addressed. Resentment, on the other hand, lingers even after the original cause may have passed, often coloring future interactions and perceptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
In terms of physical expression, anger is usually more visible and can manifest as raised voices, facial expressions, or body language. Resentment is less overt, often hidden behind a facade of normalcy, yet it can subtly influence behavior and attitudes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Anger can sometimes lead to constructive outcomes if it motivates positive change or the resolution of an issue. Resentment, however, rarely leads to positive outcomes and can erode relationships and personal well-being over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Potential Outcomes
Can lead to positive change
Often detrimental to relationships
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Anger and Resentment Definitions
Anger
An emotional state varying in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury.
She felt a sudden burst of anger.
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Dec 11, 2023
Resentment
Resentment is a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong or insult.
She harbored deep resentment towards her colleague.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Anger
A powerful emotion caused by frustration or injustice.
The constant delays filled him with anger.
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Dec 11, 2023
Resentment
It's a persistent emotional state, unlike transient anger.
Her resentment towards her past experiences lingered.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Anger
Anger can manifest in aggressive behavior or speech.
He expressed his anger through loud arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
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Resentment
Resentment can result in a lasting negative attitude towards a person or situation.
Resentment clouded his judgment towards the team.
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Dec 11, 2023
Anger
A natural response to perceived threats.
Anger surged within him when he felt threatened.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Resentment
Resentment often involves repressed feelings and brooding.
His quiet resentment was evident in his avoidance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Anger
Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
His unfair criticism sparked anger in her.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Resentment
Indignation or ill will stemming from a feeling of having been wronged or offended.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
Anger or displeasure stemming from belief that one has been wronged or betrayed by others; indignation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
(obsolete) The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon it; feeling; impression.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
A strong feeling of displeasure, hostility or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with an urge to harm, often stemming from perceived provocation, hurt, or threat.
You need to control your anger.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon something; a state of consciousness; conviction; feeling; impression.
He retains vivid resentments of the more solid morality.
It is a greater wonder that so many of them die, with so little resentment of their danger.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
(transitive) To cause such a feeling of antagonism in.
He who angers you conquers you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
In a good sense, satisfaction; gratitude.
The Council taking notice of the many good services performed by Mr. John Milton, . . . have thought fit to declare their resentment and good acceptance of the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
In a bad sense, strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury experienced.
Resentment . . . is a deep, reflective displeasure against the conduct of the offender.
Anger is like A full-hot horse, who being allowed his way,Self-mettle tires him.
Can heavently minds such high resentment show,Or exercise their spite in human woe?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
Trouble; vexation; also, physical pain or smart of a sore, etc.
I made the experiment, setting the moxa where . . . the greatest anger and soreness still continued.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
A strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism, excited by a real or supposed injury or insult to one's self or others, or by the intent to do such injury.
Anger is likeA full hot horse, who being allowed his way,Self-mettle tires him.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Resentment
A bitter indignation for having been treated unfairly.
Years of being overlooked bred resentment in him.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Anger
To make painful; to cause to smart; to inflame.
He . . . angereth malign ulcers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
To excite to anger; to enrage; to provoke.
Taxes and impositions . . . which rather angered than grieved the people.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Anger
A strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
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Dec 10, 2023
Anger
Belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins)
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does Resentment develop?
It grows slowly over time, often from long-standing issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How quickly does Anger arise?
It often flares up quickly in response to an immediate trigger.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is Anger?
It's a strong emotional reaction to provocation or frustration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What triggers Anger?
It can be triggered by real or perceived injustices or frustrations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is Resentment?
A lingering feeling of bitterness or ill will from past hurts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is Resentment ever beneficial?
Rarely, as it tends to foster negativity and damage relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How is Anger expressed?
Through outward expressions like yelling, frowning, or aggressive actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How can one overcome Resentment?
By addressing underlying issues, forgiveness, and perspective shifts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is a healthy way to express Anger?
Constructively addressing the issue and communicating feelings calmly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can Anger lead to Resentment?
Yes, especially if the anger is not resolved and festers over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What leads to Resentment?
Often from feeling undervalued, disrespected, or wronged over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Does Resentment have physical symptoms?
It can, such as chronic stress or tension.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How is Resentment expressed?
Usually internally, through brooding and a persistent negative attitude.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Does Anger affect relationships?
It can, especially if frequently intense and unmanaged.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are there physical signs of Anger?
Yes, like increased heart rate, red face, and tensed muscles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is it possible to feel Anger without Resentment?
Yes, anger can be a standalone, transient emotion without leading to resentment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can Anger be managed?
Yes, through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or therapy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is the impact of Resentment on personal well-being?
It can lead to lasting unhappiness and strain in personal connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How can one release Resentment?
Through understanding, empathy, and sometimes professional counseling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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