grudge-holding

[/ɡrʌdʒ ˈhoʊldɪŋ/]
noun
rancor persistente; manutenção de ressentimento
1. The act of maintaining anger, resentment, or bitterness toward someone for a past offense; refusing to forgive or let go of negative feelings
His grudge-holding toward his former business partner prevented any possibility of reconciliation.
O rancor persistente dele contra seu ex-sócio impediu qualquer possibilidade de reconciliação.
2. The practice or habit of harboring ill will and not forgiving past wrongs
Grudge-holding is destructive to personal relationships and mental health.
Manter ressentimentos é destrutivo para relacionamentos pessoais e saúde mental.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, grudge-holding is generally viewed negatively as an obstacle to personal growth and healthy relationships. However, in Brazilian culture with its emphasis on warmth and forgiveness (influenced by Catholic traditions), grudge-holding is particularly seen as socially undesirable. In American culture, the concept is often discussed in self-help and therapeutic contexts as something to overcome for emotional well-being.
NYC Slang
holding a grudge; staying mad; beef
Synonyms / Sinônimos
resentmentbitternessspiteill willunforgivenessanimosity
Antonyms / Antônimos
forgivenessreconciliationacceptancegoodwillclemency

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
rancor persistente; guardar rancor
Most common and widely understood term
Rio de Janeiro
manter mágoa; guardar mágoa
Emphasis on emotional hurt alongside resentment
São Paulo
manter ressentimento; não perdoar
More formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
manter rancor; guardar ressentimento
Similar to Brazilian but may use 'mágoa' less frequently

Related Words

grudgeresentfulvengefulvindictiveforgivereconcile

Related Idioms & Phrases

hold a grudge against someone
nurse a grudge
harbor ill will
refuse to let it go
keep the wound open
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