'begrudge' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'bigrucche,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'grucche' meant 'to murmur or grumble.'

'bigrucche' transformed into the modern English word 'begrudge' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to murmur or grumble,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to envy or resent.'