Rankled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ˜
rankled
[ˈræŋkəld ]
Definition
emotional response
To rankle means to cause someone to feel irritated or angry, especially over a long period of time. This term is often used when a comment or action continues to annoy someone long after it has occurred. The feeling is typically associated with resentment or lingering bitterness. When someone's feelings are rankled, they are often unable to let go of their irritation, capturing the essence of an emotional wound.
Synonyms
annoy, gall, irritate, peeve, vex.
Examples of usage
- Her dismissive remarks rankled him during the meeting.
- The unfair treatment rankled in his mind for days.
- They didn't realize how their joke would rankle her.
- His lack of acknowledgment rankled her deeply.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use the term to portray characters experiencing emotional distress, revealing deeper themes of conflict.
- The word appears in various classic works, highlighting moments of tension in relationships or society.
- Authors like Jane Austen and Mark Twain employed this term to describe characters' frustrations, showcasing human emotions.
Psychology
- Feeling rankled can indicate unresolved feelings which, if ignored, may lead to increased stress or anxiety.
- Psychologists suggest that understanding the root cause of what rankles us can lead to better emotional management.
- The term is closely related to feelings of resentment, reflecting how unresolved issues might linger in the mind.
Pop Culture
- The term has been referenced in various songs and movies to show characters' internal struggles.
- In social media, someone might say they feel 'rankled' to express their displeasure about events or comments.
- Comedians often use this term humorously, transforming annoyance into relatable humor for audiences.
Communication
- Using the word can effectively convey the intensity of annoyance in discussions or debates.
- In corporate settings, professionals might say they felt rankled to express dissatisfaction with decisions or actions.
- Being aware of when someone is rankled can help improve interpersonal relationships by addressing grievances.
Origin of 'rankled'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'ranklen', which meant 'to irritate or cause pain'.
- Its roots are in Old Norse 'hrakna', meaning 'to rot' or 'to cause trouble'.
- The word evolved into its modern form in the late 19th century, gaining popularity in literary texts.
The word 'rankled' comes from the Middle English word 'ranclen', which means 'to fester or become sore'. This roots back to the Old French 'rancler', which proposed similar meanings related to irritation and inflammation. The concept of something festering ties closely to how unresolved feelings can distract or disturb someone over time. The evolution of the word reflects transformations in the English language, influenced by the Norman Conquest and the blending of Old French and Old English. Over time, 'rankle' has maintained its focus on the emotional context of irritation, making it a vivid descriptor for feelings that linger and trouble the psyche.