Have you ever been so upset that you couldn’t quite put a name to what you were feeling? Perhaps you were torn between feeling angry and indignant. While these two emotions may seem similar at first glance, they actually have distinct differences that are important to understand.
When it comes to choosing between the two, the proper word to use will depend on the situation and the intensity of your emotions. In general, angry means feeling a strong sense of displeasure or hostility, while indignant means feeling anger or annoyance at something that is perceived as unfair or unjust.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two emotions and how they differ from one another. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use each word and how to accurately convey your emotions in any given situation.
Define Angry
Angry is an emotional state that is characterized by feelings of frustration, annoyance, and sometimes even hostility. It is often a response to a perceived threat or injustice, and can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, as well as verbal and nonverbal expressions such as yelling, slamming doors, and aggressive body language.
Define Indignant
Indignant, on the other hand, is a more nuanced emotional state that is characterized by feelings of righteous anger or moral outrage. It is often a response to a perceived violation of one’s values or principles, and can manifest in a variety of ways, including verbal expressions such as speaking out against injustice, as well as nonverbal expressions such as shaking one’s head or crossing one’s arms.
While both angry and indignant may involve feelings of anger, the key difference between the two is that anger is a more general emotional state that can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, while indignation is a more specific emotional state that is typically triggered by a perceived violation of one’s values or principles.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to expressing strong emotions, it’s important to use the right words to convey your message accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “angry” and “indignant.” While they may seem similar, they actually have different meanings and connotations. Here’s how to use them properly in a sentence:
How To Use “Angry” In A Sentence
“Angry” is a common word used to describe a feeling of displeasure or annoyance. It’s often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they feel frustrated or upset. Here are some examples of how to use “angry” in a sentence:
- “I was so angry when I found out that he had lied to me.”
- “She became angry when she realized that her phone had been stolen.”
- “The customer was angry about the poor service she received at the restaurant.”
As you can see, “angry” is used to describe a general feeling of displeasure or frustration. It’s a common word that can be used in many different situations.
How To Use “Indignant” In A Sentence
“Indignant,” on the other hand, is a more specific word that is used to describe a feeling of righteous anger or indignation. It’s often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they feel that they have been wronged or treated unfairly. Here are some examples of how to use “indignant” in a sentence:
- “I was indignant when I found out that he had stolen my idea.”
- “She became indignant when she realized that she had been unfairly accused of cheating.”
- “The customer was indignant about the rude treatment she received from the store clerk.”
As you can see, “indignant” is used to describe a feeling of anger that is rooted in a sense of injustice or unfairness. It’s a more specific word than “angry,” and is often used in situations where someone feels that they have been wronged or mistreated.
More Examples Of Angry & Indignant Used In Sentences
Understanding the difference between angry and indignant is crucial in conveying the right message. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using angry In A Sentence
- John was angry when he found out that his car had been stolen.
- The customer was angry because his order was incorrect.
- She was angry with her boss for not giving her a raise.
- The protesters were angry about the government’s decision.
- He was angry with himself for forgetting his friend’s birthday.
- She became angry when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
- The teacher was angry with the students for not paying attention.
- The athlete was angry after losing the game.
- He was angry when he found out he had been lied to.
- The politician was angry about the corruption in the government.
Examples Of Using indignant In A Sentence
- She was indignant when she found out that she had been lied to.
- The employee was indignant about the unfair treatment.
- He was indignant when he saw the way the homeless were being treated.
- The activist was indignant about the environmental destruction.
- She was indignant with her friend for not keeping her promise.
- The customer was indignant about the poor service he received.
- The student was indignant about the unfair grading system.
- The mother was indignant when she saw the way her child was being treated.
- The artist was indignant about the censorship of his work.
- The citizen was indignant about the lack of transparency in the government.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to expressing our emotions, it’s important to use the right words to convey the intended meaning accurately. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using the words “angry” and “indignant” interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Angry” When “Indignant” Is More Appropriate
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “angry” when they actually mean “indignant.” While both words refer to a feeling of displeasure, anger is a more general emotion that can be caused by anything, while indignation specifically refers to a feeling of righteous anger or resentment at something unjust or unfair.
For example, if someone is upset because they got caught in traffic and were late for a meeting, they might say they are angry. However, if someone is upset because they were unfairly blamed for something they didn’t do, they might say they are indignant. Using the wrong word in these situations can lead to confusion about the severity and cause of the emotion.
Using “Indignant” When “Angry” Is More Appropriate
On the flip side, some people make the mistake of using “indignant” when they really mean “angry.” This can happen when someone is upset about something that is not necessarily unjust or unfair, but still causes them to feel angry or frustrated.
For example, if someone is upset because their favorite restaurant is closed for renovations, they might say they are indignant. However, this is not really a situation that warrants a feeling of righteous anger or resentment. In this case, it would be more appropriate to simply say that they are angry or frustrated.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid using “angry” and “indignant” interchangeably, it can be helpful to take a moment to really think about the cause and severity of your emotions before expressing them. Ask yourself if what you are feeling is truly a sense of indignation at something unjust or unfair, or if it is just a general feeling of anger or frustration.
If you are unsure which word to use, it can also be helpful to consult a thesaurus or dictionary to get a better understanding of the nuances of each word. By taking the time to choose the right word, you can ensure that your message is clear and that you are accurately conveying your emotions to others.
Context Matters
When it comes to expressing strong emotions, the choice between using the words ‘angry’ and ‘indignant’ can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While both words indicate a feeling of displeasure or frustration, the nuances of their meanings can change depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between angry and indignant might change:
| Context | Explanation | Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Relationships | When dealing with a loved one, the choice between angry and indignant may depend on the severity of the situation and the relationship dynamics. | If someone close to you breaks a promise, you may feel angry, but if they betray your trust, you may feel indignant. |
| Professional Settings | In a professional setting, the choice between angry and indignant may depend on the power dynamics and the consequences of expressing the emotion. | If a colleague takes credit for your work, you may feel angry, but if your boss undermines your authority, you may feel indignant. |
| Social Justice Issues | When discussing social justice issues, the choice between angry and indignant may depend on the level of injustice and the desired outcome. | If a marginalized group is being discriminated against, you may feel angry, but if the discrimination is systemic and pervasive, you may feel indignant. |
Overall, the choice between using the words ‘angry’ and ‘indignant’ can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of these words can help us better express our emotions and communicate our thoughts and feelings to others.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using angry and indignant are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them correctly.
Exceptions For Using “Angry”
Although “angry” is typically used to describe a feeling of intense displeasure or frustration, there are certain situations where it might not be the best word to use:
- When describing a more subdued emotion: While “angry” can be used to describe a wide range of negative emotions, it might not be the best choice for describing a feeling that is less intense. In this case, words like “irritated” or “frustrated” might be more appropriate.
- When describing a physical sensation: While “angry” can be used to describe a feeling of emotional discomfort, it is not typically used to describe physical sensations. In this case, words like “painful” or “uncomfortable” might be more appropriate.
Exceptions For Using “Indignant”
Similarly, while “indignant” is typically used to describe a feeling of righteous anger or indignation, there are certain situations where it might not be the best word to use:
- When describing a more subdued emotion: Like “angry,” “indignant” might not be the best choice for describing a feeling that is less intense. In this case, words like “annoyed” or “displeased” might be more appropriate.
- When describing a situation that does not involve a moral or ethical violation: “Indignant” is typically used to describe a feeling of anger or outrage in response to a perceived injustice or violation of moral or ethical principles. If the situation does not involve such a violation, then “indignant” might not be the best word to use. In this case, words like “upset” or “offended” might be more appropriate.
By understanding these exceptions, you can use the words “angry” and “indignant” more effectively and accurately in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between “angry” and “indignant,” let’s practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help improve your understanding and usage:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
| Sentence | Correct Word |
|---|---|
| She was _____ when she found out she didn’t get the job. | angry |
| He was _____ when he found out the company was polluting the river. | indignant |
| The customer was _____ when the waiter brought her the wrong order. | angry |
| The activist was _____ when the government refused to take action on climate change. | indignant |
Answer Key:
- She was angry when she found out she didn’t get the job.
- He was indignant when he found out the company was polluting the river.
- The customer was angry when the waiter brought her the wrong order.
- The activist was indignant when the government refused to take action on climate change.
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- When I saw the litter on the beach, I felt __________.
- My boss was __________ when I missed the deadline.
- The politician was __________ when she heard about the corruption scandal.
- The athlete was __________ when he was accused of doping.
Answer Key:
- When I saw the litter on the beach, I felt indignant.
- My boss was angry when I missed the deadline.
- The politician was indignant when she heard about the corruption scandal.
- The athlete was angry when he was accused of doping.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of “angry” and “indignant” in everyday language.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between angry and indignant, it is clear that these two emotions are not interchangeable. While both emotions involve a feeling of displeasure, anger is often associated with a more intense and immediate reaction, while indignation involves a sense of injustice or unfairness.
It is important to use language accurately and precisely, especially when it comes to conveying emotions. By understanding the nuances between words, we can communicate our thoughts and feelings more effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Angry and indignant are two distinct emotions with different connotations and implications.
- Anger is often associated with a more immediate and intense reaction, while indignation involves a sense of injustice or unfairness.
- Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
Remember, language is a powerful tool that can be used to convey our thoughts and emotions. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can become more effective communicators and better understand the world around us.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.