What is indignant? Pronunciation and usage in English

indignant means . Learn how to pronounce and use indignant through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of indignant

indignantadjective

/ɪnˈdɪɡnənt//ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "indignant." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • /ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • in: As in "in" a box - /ɪn/
  • diɡn: This is the key part! It sounds like “dig” (as in digging) followed by “n” - /dɪɡ/
  • ant: As in “ant” the insect - /ənt/

2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  1. Start with "in": Say the word "in" quickly.
  2. Add "dig": Now, quickly add the sound of "dig." You want it to be a short, clipped sound, almost like the beginning of “dig.”
  3. Add "n": Keep the rhythm going and add the "n" sound.
  4. Finish with "ant": Finally, say "ant" as you normally would.

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "dig": The "dig" part is crucial, but it shouldn't be drawn out. It's a quick little sound. A common mistake is to make it sound like “din-,” which is incorrect.
  • The "i" in "indig": The “i” sound in “indig” is a short “i” as in “it”. Don't say “in-dih.”
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("diɡn").

4. Here are some audio resources you can use to hear how it's pronounced:

To help me tailor the explanation better, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word that you find difficult?

Usage and examples with the word indignant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "indignant." It's a strong word that describes a specific feeling – a feeling of righteous anger and annoyance at being treated unfairly or insulted. Here's a breakdown of its usage:

1. Meaning:

  • Core Meaning: "Indignant" means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. It suggests a feeling of outrage and a desire for justice.
  • Key Elements: It’s not simply angry. It implies a sense of being wronged, a violation of one’s moral standards, and a belief that something is fundamentally unjust.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

  • As an adjective (describing a person): "She gave an indignant reply to the accusation, stating it was completely unfounded." (She reacted with anger and a sense of unfairness.)
  • As an adjective (describing a statement or action): "His indignant tone revealed his disapproval of the suggestion." (The tone expressed anger and a sense of being wrongly treated.)
  • As an adverb (describing how someone reacts): "He responded to the insult with an indignant glare." (He showed his anger with a specific expression.)
  • Phrases:
    • "Indignant protest:” A formal complaint expressing anger and disapproval. "The residents issued an indignant protest against the proposed development.”
    • "Indignant silence:” Refusing to speak in response to something perceived as offensive or unfair. “After hearing the biased report, she responded with an indignant silence.”

3. Similar Words & Nuances:

  • Angry: More general feeling of displeasure.
  • Outraged: Similar to indignant, but often suggests a more dramatic reaction.
  • Resentful: Feeling bitterness or indignation about past mistreatment.
  • Offended: Feeling hurt or upset by something (often a slight insult). Indignant is stronger than offended.

4. When to Use It (and When Not To):

  • Use it when: You want to convey a feeling of being morally wronged. It’s best used when there’s a clear sense of injustice or disrespect.
  • Don’t use it when: You’re simply annoyed or irritated. Use words like “annoyed,” “frustrated,” or “upset” instead. Overusing "indignant" can make your writing sound overblown or dramatic.

5. Examples in Context (Showing Different Shades of Meaning):

  • Example 1 (Fairness): "The referee’s decision was clearly incorrect, and the team captain responded with an indignant appeal to the officials." (Focus is on the unfairness of the decision.)
  • Example 2 (Disrespect): "She was deeply indignant at the casual way he had dismissed her opinion." (Focus is on the disrespect shown.)
  • Example 3 (Mild Annoyance - probably not the best word to use here): “He was slightly indignant when I borrowed his pen without asking.” (Better words: "a little annoyed," "displeased.")

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you craft a sentence using "indignant"?
  • Explore a specific situation where this word might be appropriate?

Synonyms for the word indignant

Practice with vocabulary indignant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members grew ______ when they realized their budget had been significantly cut without prior consultation, viewing it as a clear sign of disrespect.
  2. She felt utterly ______ after spending hours trying to resolve the technical issue, only to find the solution was a simple reboot.
  3. Many employees expressed their ______ disapproval of the new attendance policy, arguing it unfairly penalized those with genuine emergencies.
  4. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the spokesperson remained ______ in their assertion that no wrongdoing had occurred.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following emotions would likely arise if an employee discovered they were paid less than a colleague for the exact same work and experience, despite having comparable qualifications? a) ecstatic b) indifferent c) indignant d) complacent

  2. A customer shouts at a waiter for a minor mistake, despite the waiter's immediate apology. How might a bystander describe the waiter's internal feeling, beyond simple regret? a) amused b) indignant c) apologetic d) intimidated

  3. If a student is accused of plagiarism without any substantial proof or opportunity to defend themselves, what might be their natural reaction? (Select all that apply) a) indignant b) bewildered c) thrilled d) outraged

  4. After the complex lecture, many students felt ______ by the abstract concepts presented, struggling to connect them to practical applications. a) enlightened b) intrigued c) bewildered d) validated

  5. The team's initial enthusiasm for the challenging project waned considerably, and they became noticeably ______ after repeated setbacks and a perceived lack of meaningful support from management. a) zealous b) elated c) disheartened d) ambivalent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The residents were furious and felt a strong sense of injustice because their voices were completely ignored during the crucial urban planning meeting.
    • Rewrite using "indignant".
  2. She reacted with sharp anger and a feeling of being wronged when her consistent hard work was publicly dismissed as insignificant by her supervisor.
    • Rewrite using a form of "indignant".
  3. The negotiator was very determined and absolutely refused to back down on their core demands, despite the other party's persistent pressure and threats to walk away.
    • Rewrite without using "indignant", but using a suitable replacement word.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members grew indignant when they realized their budget had been significantly cut without prior consultation, viewing it as a clear sign of disrespect.
  2. She felt utterly frustrated after spending hours trying to resolve the technical issue, only to find the solution was a simple reboot.
  3. Many employees expressed their indignant disapproval of the new attendance policy, arguing it unfairly penalized those with genuine emergencies.
  4. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the spokesperson remained adamant in their assertion that no wrongdoing had occurred.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) indignant
  2. b) indignant
  3. a) indignant, d) outraged
  4. c) bewildered
  5. c) disheartened

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The residents were indignant that their voices were completely ignored during the crucial urban planning meeting.
  2. She reacted indignantly when her consistent hard work was publicly dismissed as insignificant by her supervisor.
  3. The negotiator was resolute and absolutely refused to back down on their core demands, despite the other party's persistent pressure and threats to walk away.

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