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Rankle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rankle

[หˆrรฆล‹.kษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional pain

To rankle means to cause persistent annoyance or resentment. It is often used in relation to feelings that continue to irritate or upset someone over time. When a comment or situation continues to bother a person, they may describe it as 'ranking' in their mind. This verb is frequently employed in contexts where unresolved feelings or grievances linger and affect oneโ€™s emotional state.

Synonyms

annoy, irritate, upset, vex.

Examples of usage

  • His harsh critique continues to rankle her.
  • The unfair treatment at work began to rankle many employees.
  • It rankled me that he didn't apologize for his actions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'rankle'

The word 'rankle' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'rancler.' This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'dracunculus,' meaning 'little dragon,' a diminutive of 'draco,' meaning 'dragon.' The use of 'rankle' in the context of causing lasting irritation dates back to the 14th century. The evolution of its meaning likely stems from the idea of a wound that continues to fester, much like a dragon's fiery breath that causes enduring pain. Over time, rankle has shifted to encompass not just physical torment but also emotional and psychological discomfort that persists long after the initial offense. It has also retained its strong connotation of bitterness and unresolved conflict in interpersonal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,202, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.