rancorous
RANG-ker-us
/ˈræŋ.kər.əs/
Characterized by deep-seated, long-lasting resentment, spite, or ill will.
Describes intense, poisonously hostile hatred that persists over years and erupts in bitter arguments.
The story behind the word. Traces directly to Latin rancor ('rankness, offensiveness, foul smell'), from the verb rancere ('to stink or be rotten'). Metaphorically, a rancorous hatred is like spoiled food left to rot and foul the room.
Word relationships
- acrimonious: Acrimonious describes sharp, stinging speech and behavior during an argument.
- spiteful: Spiteful emphasizes petty malice aimed at inflicting immediate discomfort.
- harmonious: Harmonious implies peaceful agreement and mutual respect.
- amicable: Amicable describes friendly relations and peaceful dispute resolution.
Commonly confused with
- raucous: Raucous means loud, harsh, and rowdy, whereas rancorous means deeply bitter and malicious.
Word family
- rancor (noun): Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.
- rancorously (adverb): In a rancorous or bitterly hostile manner.
Collocations
- rancorous debate
- rancorous dispute
- rancorous relationship
- rancorous feud
Idioms & expressions
- rancorous feelings
Example sentences
- "The election campaign degenerated into a rancorous debate marked by personal attacks and malicious accusations." Political analysis
- "The rancorous divorce proceedings dragged on for three years while both parties fought over minor personal possessions." Legal commentary
Memory hook
RANCOROUS feelings smell like RANCID butter—rotten and bad. RANCOROUS is foul, rotten hostility.
When not to use
Do not use for minor disagreements or brief arguments between friends.
Fun facts
- In Old French, 'rancor' meant physical rankness or sour milk before acquiring its exclusively emotional meaning in Middle English.
Related words
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