Resent vs. Hate — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
Resentment is a feeling of displeasure or indignation, while hate is a deep and intense dislike or hostility.
Difference Between Resent and Hate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Resentment typically arises from perceived wrongs or injustices, often directed towards individuals or situations that one believes have treated them unfairly. It is a more specific emotion, usually tied to particular events or actions that have caused upset or offense. Whereas, hate encompasses a broader, more intense feeling of aversion or hostility that may not be linked to specific incidents. Hate can be directed towards individuals, groups, concepts, or objects and is often more deeply ingrained and enduring.
While resentment can simmer quietly, not always visible on the surface, hate is usually more overt and can manifest through actions or words. Resentment may lead to feelings of bitterness or holding grudges, whereas hate can incite actions of aggression or harm. This distinction highlights the intensity and potential for outward expression associated with each emotion.
The origins of resentment and hate differ; resentment often stems from personal feelings of being wronged or slighted, while hate can arise from deeper prejudices, fears, or profound disagreements. This can make hate more pervasive and difficult to address, as it may be rooted in broader societal, cultural, or personal biases.
In terms of resolution, resentment may be alleviated through communication, understanding, and forgiveness, addressing the specific incidents that led to the feeling. Conversely, overcoming hate often requires more profound changes in perception, attitude, and belief systems, making it a more complex and challenging emotion to reconcile.
Both resentment and hate can negatively impact an individual's mental and emotional well-being, but hate carries a more significant potential for causing harm to others. It is crucial to recognize and address these emotions to foster healthier relationships and communities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling of displeasure or indignation from perceived wrongs
Deep and intense dislike or hostility
Intensity
Generally less intense
More intense and enduring
Manifestation
Can simmer quietly, leading to bitterness
More overt, can lead to aggression
Origin
Specific incidents of feeling wronged
Can arise from prejudices, fears, or profound disagreements
Resolution
Communication and forgiveness can alleviate
Requires changes in perception and attitudes
Compare with Definitions
Resent
Can lead to holding grudges over perceived slights.
She harbored resentment towards her colleague for years.
Hate
May manifest in aggressive behaviors or harm.
The conflict was fueled by hate.
Resent
To feel bitterness or indignation at a circumstance, action, or person.
She resented being overlooked for the promotion.
Hate
Often deeply ingrained and challenging to overcome.
Overcoming hate requires understanding and empathy.
Resent
Often involves jealousy or envy towards someone's success or advantages.
They resented their neighbor's lavish lifestyle.
Hate
An intense dislike or hostility towards someone or something.
She felt hate towards the injustice in society.
Resent
A smoldering feeling of displeasure about unfair treatment.
He resented the unfair workload distribution.
Hate
Can encompass prejudice against groups or ideologies.
His speech spread hate against the community.
Resent
Typically linked to personal interactions or situations.
He resented the way his contributions were dismissed.
Hate
Unlike resentment, hate can be more general and enduring.
She harbored a deep hate for the oppressive regime.
Resent
Feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person)
She resented the fact that I had children
Hate
To feel strong dislike for or hostility toward
Rivals who hate each other.
Resent
To feel indignantly aggrieved at.
Hate
To feel dislike or distaste for
Hates washing dishes.
Hates to get up early.
Resent
(transitive) To feel resentment over; to consider as an affront.
The bride greatly resented being left at the church.
Hate
To be disinclined (to do something) out of politeness or a need to apologize
I hate to interrupt, but can I ask you a quick question?.
Resent
(transitive) To express displeasure or indignation at.
Hate
To feel hatred.
Resent
To be sensible of; to feel.
Hate
Intense animosity or dislike; hatred.
Resent
In a positive sense, to take well; to receive with satisfaction.
Hate
An object of hatred.
One of my pet hates is traffic wardens.
Resent
(obsolete) To recognize; to perceive, especially as if by smelling; -- associated in meaning with sent, the older spelling of scent, to smell. See resent (intransitive verb).
Hate
Hatred.
He gave me a look filled with pure hate.
Resent
(obsolete) To give forth an odor; to smell; to savor.
Hate
(Internet slang) Negative feedback, abusive behaviour.
There was a lot of hate in the comments on my vlog about Justin Bieber from his fans.
Resent
Simple past tense and past participle of resend
The package was resent, this time with the correct postage.
Hate
(transitive) To dislike intensely or greatly.
Resent
To be sensible of; to feel
Which makes the tragical ends of noble persons more favorably resented by compassionate readers.
Hate
(intransitive) To experience hatred.
Do not fear; he who fears hates; he who hates kills. — attributed to Gandhi
Resent
In a bad sense, to take ill; to consider as an injury or affront; to be indignant at.
Hate
To have a great aversion to, with a strong desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; to dislike intensely; to detest; as, to hate one's enemies; to hate hypocrisy.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.
Resent
To express or exhibit displeasure or indignation at, as by words or acts.
The good prince King James . . . bore dishonorably what he might have resented safely.
Hate
To be very unwilling; followed by an infinitive, or a substantive clause with that; as, to hate to get into debt; to hate that anything should be wasted.
I hate that he should linger here.
Resent
To feel resentment.
Hate
To love less, relatively.
Resent
To give forth an odor; to smell; to savor.
The judicious prelate will prefer a drop of the sincere milk of the word before vessels full of traditionary pottage resenting of the wild gourd of human invention.
Hate
Strong aversion coupled with desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; as exercised toward things, intense dislike; hatred; detestation; - opposed to love.
For in a wink the false love turns to hate.
Resent
Feel bitter or indignant about;
She resents being paid less than her co-workers
Hate
The emotion of hate; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
Resent
Wish ill or allow unwillingly
Hate
Dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards;
I hate Mexican food
She detests politicians
Common Curiosities
How does hate affect a person?
Hate can negatively impact mental and emotional well-being, lead to aggressive behaviors, and harm relationships and communities.
What causes resentment?
Resentment is caused by perceived injustices, unfair treatment, or feeling wronged by someone.
Why is it important to address feelings of hate and resentment?
Addressing these feelings is crucial for personal well-being and for fostering healthy, peaceful relationships and societies.
How can I overcome resentment?
Overcoming resentment often involves addressing the source of the feeling, communication, and potentially forgiving those involved.
Can communication resolve hate?
While communication can help, overcoming hate often requires broader changes in perceptions and attitudes.
How does society influence feelings of hate?
Societal norms, cultural biases, and historical injustices can all contribute to the development and perpetuation of hate.
Is it possible to feel resentment without showing it?
Yes, resentment can simmer quietly within an individual without being outwardly expressed.
What role does empathy play in overcoming hate?
Empathy can help individuals understand and overcome prejudices and fears that contribute to feelings of hate.
Is hate always directed towards people?
No, hate can also be directed towards concepts, ideologies, or objects, not just individuals or groups.
Can resentment turn into hate?
Yes, if feelings of resentment are not addressed, they can deepen and potentially turn into hate over time.
What is the first step in dealing with hate?
Acknowledging the emotion and its negative impacts is the first step towards addressing and overcoming hate.
What are the consequences of harboring hate?
Besides personal distress, harboring hate can lead to social division, conflict, and in extreme cases, violence.
Can hate be justified?
While individuals may feel justified in their hate due to personal or collective grievances, promoting understanding and compassion is generally seen as a more constructive approach.
How do I know if I'm feeling resentment or hate?
Reflecting on the intensity of your feelings, their origins, and how you wish to act on them can help distinguish between resentment and hate.
Can societal change reduce hate?
Yes, societal changes that address inequalities, injustices, and promote inclusivity can reduce the grounds for hate.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
