Resent vs. Re Sent – Which is Correct?
“Resent” is the correct single word, meaning to feel bitterness or indignation. “Re sent” is an incorrect two-word spelling; the correct form for something sent again is typically “re-sent” (hyphenated) to avoid confusion with the verb “resent.” Always use “resent” as one word for the feeling, and “re-sent” for sending again.
Resent or Re Sent – Which is Correct?
“Resent” is the grammatically correct single word with two distinct meanings depending on pronunciation. The most common meaning, pronounced /rɪˈzɛnt/, is to feel bitterness or indignation. Less commonly, and often ambiguously, “resent” pronounced /ˈriːsɛnt/ can mean to send something again. However, “re sent” as two separate words is incorrect. The proper way to indicate that something has been sent a second time is usually “re-sent” (hyphenated). The confusion stems from incorrectly separating the prefix “re-” from the verb “sent.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, think about the hyphen. If you are describing the action of sending something again, you are effectively adding the prefix “re-” to “sent.” Standard English practice for clarity often uses a hyphen, making it “re-sent.” If you are describing the emotion of bitterness, it’s always the single word “resent.” So, “re-sent” for *re*peating the *sent* action, and “resent” for the *re*sentment emotion.
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| resent | Verb | To feel bitterness or indignation about. | She began to resent his constant criticism. |
| re-sent | Verb (past participle) | Sent again. (Correct form of ‘re sent’) | The email was accidentally deleted, so I re-sent it. |
| re sent | Incorrect | Incorrect spelling for “sent again.” | (Avoid using this form) |
How to Use Resent
The verb “resent” (pronounced /rɪˈzɛnt/) signifies feeling bitterness, indignation, or displeasure towards someone or something perceived as an insult, injury, or injustice. It implies a strong, often lingering, negative emotional response. This feeling can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated anger. It’s typically used in a formal to semi-formal context when discussing personal feelings or reactions to events.
While “resent” can technically also mean “to send again” (pronounced /ˈriːsɛnt/), this usage is rare and highly ambiguous. For clarity, when you mean “sent again,” it is strongly recommended to use “re-sent” (hyphenated) or “resend” (as a base verb).
Example 1: The employees began to resent the company’s new policy on unpaid overtime.
Example 2: She couldn’t help but resent her brother’s easy success after all her own struggles.
Example 3: He would always resent the way his ideas were dismissed during the meeting.
What are the different forms of Resent?
“Resent” is a regular verb. Its forms are:
- Base Form: resent (e.g., I resent)
- Past Simple: resented (e.g., He resented)
- Past Participle: resented (e.g., She has resented)
- Present Participle: resenting (e.g., They are resenting)
- Third Person Singular Present: resents (e.g., It resents)
Etymology of the word Resent
The word “resent” comes from the Old French resentir, meaning “to feel again” or “to feel deeply.” This in turn derived from the Latin re- (meaning “again” or “back”) and sentire (meaning “to feel”). Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically denote feeling indignation or displeasure in response to something, rather than simply “feeling again” in a neutral sense. The English usage dates back to the late 16th century.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader grammatical concepts can help clarify why “resent” and “re sent” are distinct.
- Prefixes: The prefix “re-” means “again” or “back.” When attached to a verb, it indicates repetition of an action (e.g., rewrite, reread, re-sent). Incorrectly separating a common prefix like “re-” from its verb base, as in “re sent,” creates a grammatical error.
- Homographs and Homophones: “Resent” is a homograph (words spelled the same but with different meanings and sometimes pronunciations). It can be /rɪˈzɛnt/ (to feel bitterness) or, less commonly, /ˈriːsɛnt/ (to send again). While not perfectly homophonous in its two meanings, the similar spelling is a root cause of confusion with “re-sent.”
- Compound Verbs: While “re-sent” isn’t a compound verb in the traditional sense, it illustrates how prefixes combine with verbs to create new meanings. Hyphenation often serves to distinguish such constructions from existing single words, especially when ambiguity might arise.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “He found himself beginning to resent the constant demands on his time.” — From a contemporary novel.
- “Many citizens openly resented the new tax increase, voicing their displeasure in public forums.” — From a news article dated May 15, 2026.
- “She tried not to resent her colleague’s promotion, but a part of her felt it was undeserved.” — From a business memoir.
- “The author admitted that he still resented the critical reception of his first book.” — From an interview with a literary magazine.
Resent Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Begrudge | To envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of something, or to give reluctantly. |
| Take offense | To feel hurt, annoyed, or angry by something said or done. |
| Grudge | A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. |
| Feel aggrieved | To feel unfairly treated. |
| Be indignant | Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “re-sent” always hyphenated?
Generally, yes, when it means “sent again.” The hyphen helps distinguish it from “resent” (to feel bitterness) and clarifies that “re-” is a prefix indicating repetition. While “resend” is also correct for the base verb, “re-sent” is the standard past participle form.
Question 2: Can “resent” (one word) mean “sent again”?
Historically, and in some contexts, “resent” (pronounced /ˈriːsɛnt/) can mean “sent again.” However, this usage is uncommon in modern English and can lead to significant confusion due to the more prevalent meaning of “resent” (to feel bitterness). For clarity, “re-sent” is preferred when indicating something sent a second time.
Question 3: Why is “re sent” incorrect?
“Re sent” is incorrect because “re-” is a prefix, not a standalone word. Prefixes are typically attached directly to the word they modify (e.g., “rewrite”) or, in cases where ambiguity or awkwardness might arise, connected with a hyphen (e.g., “re-evaluate,” “re-sent”). Separating “re” from “sent” with a space is not standard English grammar.
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between “resent” and “re sent” hinges on understanding prefixes and clear communication. Remember that “resent” (one word) is the correct verb for expressing bitterness or indignation. Conversely, “re sent” (two words) is an incorrect construction; the proper term for something sent a second time is “re-sent.” By using the hyphenated form for “sent again,” you eliminate ambiguity and ensure your message is understood precisely.
Pro Tip: In professional communication, precision is paramount. Using “re-sent” for “sent again” clearly signals your intent, avoiding any misinterpretation that could arise from the emotional connotation of “resent.” This attention to detail reinforces your credibility and professionalism.
