Aggrieved is a term that is often used to describe feelings of injustice or unfairness. It is a word that is commonly used in legal contexts, but it can also be used in everyday conversation to describe a range of emotions. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aggrieved, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Aggrieved is an adjective that describes a person who feels that they have been wronged or treated unfairly. It can also describe a situation or circumstance that causes someone to feel this way. The term can be used to describe a range of emotions, including anger, frustration, and sadness.
Origin
The word aggrieved comes from the Old French word agrever, which means “to burden.” The term was first used in English in the 14th century to describe a person who was burdened or oppressed. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include feelings of injustice or unfairness.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aggrieved means “having been wronged or unfairly treated.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “feeling resentment at having been unfairly treated.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “feeling upset and angry because of unfair treatment.”
Associations
Aggrieved is often associated with legal contexts, such as when someone files a lawsuit to seek redress for a perceived wrong. It can also be used in political contexts to describe groups or individuals who feel that they have been marginalized or oppressed. In everyday conversation, the term can be used to describe a range of emotions, from mild annoyance to deep-seated anger.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for aggrieved include:
- Wronged.
- Injured.
- Offended.
- Hurt.
- Indignant.
- Resentful.
Antonyms
Antonyms for aggrieved include:
- Content.
- Satisfied.
- Pleased.
- Delighted.
- Grateful.
The same root words
The root word of aggrieved is “aggravate,” which means “to make a situation worse.” Other words that share this root include:
- Aggravation.
- Aggravating.
- Aggravated.
Example Sentences
- She felt aggrieved by the way she had been treated by her boss.
- The workers were aggrieved by the company’s decision to cut their benefits.
- The protesters were aggrieved by the government’s failure to address their concerns.
- He was aggrieved that his team had lost the game.
- The victim’s family was aggrieved by the lenient sentence given to the perpetrator.