Hatred vs. Resentment — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Hatred is an intense dislike often with a desire to harm, whereas resentment is a feeling of displeasure or indignation resulting from unfair treatment.
Difference Between Hatred and Resentment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hatred involves a deep, emotional aversion, often leading to an active desire to harm or avoid someone or something. Whereas resentment is more about quietly holding a grudge or feeling bitter about perceived injustices or slights. It can fester over time, potentially leading to hatred if not addressed.
Hatred is characterized by its intensity and duration—it can be longstanding and consuming. On the other hand, resentment might not pervade every aspect of one's life but can impact specific relationships or situations where one feels wronged.
Hatred often results in clear, overt expressions of animosity or hostility. Whereas resentment tends to be more internalized, causing silent suffering and a passive-aggressive demeanor.
The causes of hatred are typically rooted in deep-seated fear, prejudice, or past trauma. In contrast, resentment often arises from personal experiences of disrespect, neglect, or unmet expectations.
Hatred can sometimes mobilize individuals or groups towards destructive actions or behaviors. On the other hand, resentment might lead to withdrawal, silent treatment, or sabotage rather than direct confrontation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Intense dislike often accompanied by a desire to harm
Displeasure or indignation from perceived unfairness
Emotional Intensity
Very high, often uncontrollable
Lower, more controlled
Duration
Long-lasting, can persist indefinitely
Can be transient or long-lasting, but often revisited
Expression
Overt and aggressive
Subtle, passive-aggressive
Common Causes
Fear, prejudice, personal or historical trauma
Personal slights, unmet expectations, perceived injustices
Compare with Definitions
Hatred
Extreme dislike or disgust.
She felt hatred towards the corruption in the system.
Resentment
Persistent ill feeling from a sense of grievance.
Resentment against the new policies was growing among employees.
Hatred
A strong aversion toward something or someone.
His hatred of noise made him avoid crowded places.
Resentment
Smoldering anger or ill will.
There was a deep resentment within him for those who had wronged his family.
Hatred
A feeling of one who hates; profound malevolence.
Hatred fueled the conflict between the two communities.
Resentment
A feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair.
She harbored resentment after being overlooked for promotion.
Hatred
Persistent ill will.
Old hatreds can disrupt any attempt at peace.
Resentment
Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
His resentment grew every time he was criticized unjustly.
Hatred
Intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury.
His hatred for the injustice was palpable.
Resentment
Holding silent anger over something.
She kept her resentment silent, never discussing it openly.
Hatred
Intense animosity or hostility.
Resentment
Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is a complex, multilayered emotion that has been described as a mixture of disappointment, disgust, anger, and fear. Other psychologists consider it a mood or as a secondary emotion (including cognitive elements) that can be elicited in the face of insult and/or injury.Inherent in resentment is a perception of unfairness (i.e.
Hatred
Hatred is a very angry emotional response to certain people or ideas.Hatred is often associated with intense feelings of anger and disgust.
Resentment
Indignation or ill will stemming from a feeling of having been wronged or offended.
Hatred
Strong aversion; intense dislike.
Resentment
Anger or displeasure stemming from belief that one has been wronged or betrayed by others; indignation.
Hatred
Strong aversion; intense dislike; hate; an affection of the mind awakened by something regarded as evil.
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.
Hatred
The emotion of hate; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
Resentment
(obsolete) satisfaction; gratitude
Resentment
The act of resenting.
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.
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.
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?
Resentment
A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between hatred and resentment?
Hatred is an intense, often aggressive dislike, while resentment is a quieter feeling of displeasure due to unfair treatment.
Can resentment lead to hatred?
Yes, if resentment is not addressed, it can deepen and transform into hatred.
How can one deal with feelings of resentment?
Addressing the underlying issues, communicating openly, and possibly seeking professional help can mitigate resentment.
How does one recognize if they are feeling hatred or resentment?
Recognizing the intensity and expression of the emotion can help distinguish between the two.
How do people typically express resentment?
Resentment is often expressed subtly, through passive-aggressive behavior or withdrawal.
Is hatred more harmful than resentment?
Hatred can be more destructive due to its intensity and potential to incite harmful actions.
What can cause hatred?
Hatred can be caused by deep-seated fears, prejudices, or personal traumas.
Is it easier to resolve hatred or resentment?
Resentment, being less intense, is typically easier to resolve than deep-seated hatred.
Are there positive aspects to either hatred or resentment?
Generally, both are viewed negatively, but they can sometimes motivate individuals to address and rectify injustices.
What are the psychological impacts of harboring hatred or resentment?
Both can lead to stress, emotional exhaustion, and in severe cases, depression.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
