rancor
RANG-ker
/ˈræŋ.kər/
Bitterness or resentful hatred that lasts a long time.
Implies a deep-seated, sour, festering emotional resentment that has rotted over time.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'rancor' (rankness, stench, bitterness), coming directly from 'rancere' (to stink or be rancid). Just as rotten milk turns rancid, rancor is emotional hatred that has sat too long and gone bad.
Word relationships
- acrimony: Acrimony refers to sharp, biting sharpness in language or debate, while rancor is the festering emotional bitterness behind it.
- resentment: Resentment is the feeling of unfair treatment, whereas rancor is an advanced, deeply sour state of long-held hatred.
- cordiality: Cordiality means warm, friendly, and sincere regard.
- goodwill: Goodwill refers to friendly and cooperative feelings.
Commonly confused with
- ranker: A ranker is a soldier or someone who ranks things; rancor is festering emotional bitterness.
Word family
- rancorous (adjective): Characterized by deep-seated bitterness.
- rancourously (adverb): In a rancorous manner.
Collocations
- bitter rancor
- without rancor
- political rancor
Example sentences
- "Put rancors in the vessel of my peace / Only for them; and mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man." Shakespearean tragedy
- "The election campaign was marked by unprecedented rancor and personal attacks." Political debate
Memory hook
RANCOR feels like RANCID butter rotting in your heart. Festering, rancid bitterness.
When not to use
Avoid using for short-lived outbursts of anger or sudden arguments.
Fun facts
- 'Rancid' (as in rancid butter) and 'rancor' share the exact same Latin root verb 'rancere'!
Related words
Explore more words
rancorous, resentful, embittered, feud, jaundiced, antagonism
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