rancor
RANG-kur
/ˈræŋ.kər/
bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.
Rancor is a 'stinking' kind of hatred. It is deep, bitter, and often involves a refusal to forgive. It is more about the internal rot of resentment than an outward explosion of anger.
The story behind the word. Rancor comes from the Latin 'rancere', meaning 'to be rank' or 'to stink'. It’s the same root as 'rancid' (like old butter). Metaphorically, rancor is a hatred that has sat around so long it has started to rot and smell.
Word relationships
- bitterness: Bitterness is a general feeling of resentment; rancor is more intense and formal.
- resentment: Resentment is the feeling of being treated unfairly; rancor is the deep-seated hatred that results.
- benevolence: Benevolence is the desire to do good to others.
- forgiveness: Forgiveness is the act of letting go of resentment.
Commonly confused with
- rankle: To rankle is the verb for what rancor does; a comment might rankle (cause irritation) until it turns into rancor (deep bitterness).
Word family
- rancorous (adjective): characterized by bitterness
Collocations
- bitter rancor
- without rancor
- deep-seated rancor
Example sentences
- "He spoke without rancor about the colleagues who had betrayed him." A political memoir.
- "The meeting ended with much rancor and no agreement on the division of assets." Describing a bitter divorce.
Memory hook
Rancor is like 'rancid' anger. It’s old, smelly, and bitter. Rancor = Rancid resentment.
When not to use
Do not use for a sudden outburst of temper; rancor takes time to develop.
Fun facts
- In Middle English, 'rancor' could actually be used to describe the physical smell of a rotting wound.
Explore more words
rancorous, resentful, embittered, feud, jaundiced, antagonism
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