what does indignant mean
“Indignant” means feeling or showing strong anger because something seems unfair, wrong, or insulting.
Core meaning
- Someone who is indignant is not just a little annoyed; they are angry with a sense of injustice or moral wrong, like “This shouldn’t be happening.”
- Dictionaries define it as feeling or showing anger and surprise because you think you have been treated unfairly or something is unjust.
Simple examples
- A student might feel indignant if they are punished for something they did not do.
- A person could be indignant about unfair rules at work or an accusation that is not true.
Usage and tone
- “Indignant” is usually used for more serious or morally charged situations, not tiny annoyances, so using it for trivial things can sound overly dramatic.
- It fits both spoken and written English, but it has a slightly formal, precise feel compared with words like “mad” or “upset.”
Related forms and synonyms
- Adverb: “indignantly” (She replied indignantly.).
- Nearby words: angry , upset , irate , outraged , though “indignant” highlights the feeling that something is unfair or morally wrong.
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