rancor
RANG-ker
/ˈræŋ.kər/
Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.
Refers to deep-seated, festering emotional resentment that persists over time.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'rancere', meaning to be rotten or stink. Metaphorically applied in Latin to describe deep hostility that rots and stinks in the human heart over years.
Word relationships
- animosity: Animosity emphasizes active hostility; rancor highlights lingering, rotten bitterness.
- resentment: Resentment is a general feeling of unfair treatment; rancor is deep, sour bitterness.
- amity: Friendly and peaceful relations.
- goodwill: Friendly or helpful feelings toward others.
Commonly confused with
- rancid: Rancid describes spoiled, bad-smelling food; rancor describes bitter, rotten hatred.
Word family
- rancorous (adjective): Characterized by bitterness or resentment.
- rancorously (adverb): In a rancorous manner.
Collocations
- deep-seated rancor
- political rancor
- without rancor
Idioms & expressions
- festering wound
- bad blood
Example sentences
- "The debate was characterized by intense partisan rancor that prevented any meaningful compromise." Political commentary
- "Despite their bitter divorce, they managed to speak to each other without rancor." Memoir
Memory hook
Rancor feels as sour and bad as rancid milk. Rancor = Rancid feelings of hatred.
When not to use
Do not use for sudden, brief arguments that end quickly.
Fun facts
- Spelled 'rancour' in British English, maintaining its Old French spelling.
Related words
Explore more words
rancorous, resentful, embittered, feud, jaundiced, antagonism
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