FeelingGuide

Outrage vs Resentment

Outrage

negative emotion

Outrage is a strong emotional response characterized by a feeling of intense anger or indignation, often triggered by perceived injustice or wrongdoing. It can lead to a desire for action or change in response to the situation that has provoked the emotion.

Resentment

negative emotion

Resentment is a complex emotional response characterized by feelings of anger, bitterness, and frustration towards perceived unfair treatment or injustice. It often arises from feelings of being wronged or slighted and can be directed towards individuals, groups, or situations.

Key Differences

AspectOutrageResentment
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureOutrage can be both constructive and destructive. Constructively, it can inspire collective action and advocacy for chan...Resentment tends to be destructive as it can lead to ongoing negative feelings and behaviors that harm relationships and...

Outrage's Perspective

Outrage is often confused with anger; however, while anger is a more general emotional response to perceived threats or wrongs, outrage is specifically characterized by a moral reaction to perceived injustices. Outrage tends to incorporate a sense of indignation and a call for action, while anger may not necessarily include a moral dimension or the drive to change a situation.

Resentment's Perspective

Resentment is commonly confused with anger, as both involve feelings of displeasure and frustration. However, anger is often a more immediate and reactive emotion, whereas resentment tends to be more prolonged and is often rooted in a sense of injustice or betrayal. Anger can sometimes be expressed openly, while resentment is frequently internalized and may lead to bitterness.

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