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Rancour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rancour

[หˆrรฆล‹.kษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

negative feeling

Rancour is a deep-seated bitterness or resentment that persists over time. It often arises from a perceived insult, injury, or unfair treatment. This emotion can lead to hostility and can negatively impact personal relationships and social interactions. Rancour can be debilitating if not addressed, as it fosters a cycle of negativity and grievance.

Synonyms

bitterness, grudge, hostility, resentment.

Examples of usage

  • She held a rancour against her colleague for years after the incident.
  • The rancour between the two factions only grew with time.
  • Despite their differences, he refused to let rancour cloud his judgment.

Translations

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Origin of 'rancour'

The word 'rancour' originates from the Old French term 'rancล“ur', which means 'bitterness' or 'resentment'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin ' rancor', meaning 'to be rotten, to fester'. The use of 'rancour' in the English language began in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. Initially, it was used to describe the metaphorical 'bitterness' associated with unresolved emotions and conflict. Over time, it evolved to encapsulate the more personal and often long-lasting feelings of hatred or deep-seated ill will that can stem from personal grievances. Rancour is often associated with situations where forgiveness and reconciliation have not been achieved, creating a lingering sense of injustice and emotional strife.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,112, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.