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grudging

/ˈgrədʒɪŋ/
IPA guide

If you do something in a grudging manner (or grudgingly), you do it with reluctance. Doing homework, paying taxes, and saying sorry are all commonly done in a grudging manner.

"Grudging apology" and "grudging acceptance" are probably the two most common uses of this word, which perhaps says something about our lack of grace as a species. The word derives from the medieval French word groucher, meaning "to murmur or mumble." A related word is grudge, meaning a long-lasting sense of ill will dating to a previous incident.

Definitions of grudging
  1. adjective
    petty or reluctant in giving or spending
    synonyms: niggardly, scrimy
    stingy, ungenerous
    unwilling to spend
  2. adjective
    unwilling or reluctant, of especially an attitude
    “gave grudging consent”
    grudging acceptance of his opponent's victory”
    synonyms:
    unwilling
    not disposed or inclined toward
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