Obhiman
অভিমান
OH-BHEE-mahn
A feeling of hurt or disappointment arising when affection, care, or expectations from a loved one are not met.
Meaning & usage
Obhimaan is a uniquely nuanced Bengali emotion that combines hurt, disappointment, wounded affection, and emotional longing. Unlike anger, it is typically directed toward someone with whom one shares a close bond—such as a family member, friend, or romantic partner. The feeling often stems from unmet expectations of love, attention, or understanding. A person experiencing obhimaan may withdraw or become quiet rather than openly express resentment. The concept is deeply embedded in Bengali literature, music, cinema, and everyday life, and has no exact equivalent in English.
In a sentence
She wasn't angry with her mother; it was pure obhimaan that kept her from calling.
As seen in crosswords
Obhiman is a 7-letter answer. A typical clue:
“A feeling of hurt or disappointment arising when affection, care, or expectations from a loved one are not met” (7)
Know a word we’re missing? Submit a word.