ressentiment

[ French ruh-sahn-tee-mahn ]

/ French rə sɑ̃ tiˈmɑ̃ /

noun

any cautious, defeatist, or cynical attitude based on the belief that the individual and human institutions exist in a hostile or indifferent universe or society.

an oppressive awareness of the futility of trying to improve one's status in life or in society.

QUIZZES

THIS WEEK’S WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ IS POSITIVELY FELICIFIC

Do you study our Words of the Day with great assiduity? See how many you remember from March 30 to April 5!

Question 1 of 7

transliterate

to remove or destroy all traces of.

to change (letters, words, etc.), into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language.

to explain in terms that can be more easily understood.

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Origin of ressentiment

From French, dating back to 1940–45; see origin at resentment

Words nearby ressentiment

responsiveness, responsor, responsory, responsum, respray, ressentiment, rest, rest area, rest assured, rest cure, rest energy