PIQUE.
Synonyms:
| displeasure, | irritation, | offense, | resentment, | umbrage. |
| grudge, |
Pique, from the French, signifies primarily a prick or a sting, as of a nettle; the word denotes a sudden feeling of mingled pain and anger, but slight and usually transient, arising from some neglect or offense, real or imaginary. Umbrage is a deeper and more[273] persistent displeasure at being overshadowed (L. umbra, a shadow) or subjected to any treatment that one deems unworthy of him. It may be said, as a general statement, that pique arises from wounded vanity or sensitiveness, umbrage from wounded pride or sometimes from suspicion. Resentment rests on more solid grounds, and is deep and persistent. Compare [ANGER].
Antonyms:
| approval, | contentment, | delight, | gratification, | pleasure, | satisfaction. |
| complacency, |
PITIFUL.
Synonyms: