grutch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicLiterary, Archaic, Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “grutch” mean?
To begrudge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To begrudge; to feel reluctant to give or allow something, often with a sense of resentment or ill-will.
As a noun: a complaint or grievance, especially a long-held or petty one; a grudge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern regional difference, as the word is effectively obsolete in standard usage in both varieties. May be encountered slightly more in British regional dialects.
Connotations
Archaic, somewhat poetic or rustic. Can sound quaint or deliberately old-fashioned.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in contemporary speech or writing. Most common in historical texts or in deliberate archaisms.
Grammar
How to Use “grutch” in a Sentence
[NP] grutch [NP] something[NP] grutch [NP] that-clause (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grutch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He did not grutch the money for a good cause, but he resented the manner of the request.
- The old lord would grutch every penny spent on the village fête.
American English
- She grudged him his success. (Note: 'grutch' is not used; 'grudged' is the modern equivalent.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective. Archaic/obsolete participial form 'grutching' might be found.)
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grutch”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Confusing it with 'grouch' (to complain).
- Spelling as 'grutch' when intending the modern 'grudge'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Grouch' means to complain or a habitually complaining person. 'Grutch' is an archaic term meaning to begrudge or a grievance/grudge.
No. It is an obsolete word. Using it will likely cause confusion. Use 'grudge' (noun) or 'begrudge' (verb) instead.
In older literature (e.g., 14th-17th century texts), in some regional English dialects, or in academic discussions of language history.
For reading comprehension of historical texts and understanding the etymology of the modern word 'grudge', which evolved from 'grutch'.
To begrudge.
Grutch is usually literary, archaic, dialectal in register.
Grutch: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bear/have a grutch against someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRU' (as in grim, gruff) + 'TCH' (like the sound of complaint, 'tch!') = a grim, complaining reluctance.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESENTMENT IS A POSSESSION ONE BEARS (to bear a grutch). WITHHOLDING IS GRASPING TIGHTLY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'grutch' be MOST appropriate?