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Rancor
Long-lasting, bitter resentment or ill will toward someone, often persisting over time.
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Imagine This
Picture two families in a seaside town who have harbored a bitter feud for decades after a disputed will. At every town event they exchange polite smiles only to slip back into cold, pointed remarks. The rancor between them feels heavy, like a thick fog that won’t lift.
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Sounds Like
RAN-kor (rhymes with anchor in some dialects)
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Looks Like
Looks like the British spelling rancour; visually similar to rancid in root; both share the idea of a strong, negative sense
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Remember This
Rancor denotes deep, entrenched bitterness rather than a fleeting dislike; it often requires effort or forgiveness to overcome
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Other Forms
rancournoun
rancorousadjective
rancorouslyadverb
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Connect With
bitterness, resentment, ill will, enmity, spite, hostility
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Note
Used with toward or between (e.g., harboring rancor toward someone; rancor between parties). Not the same as resentment that is temporary or mild; rancor is persistent and sour.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She harbored rancor toward her former colleague after the failed project.
- The long-standing rancor between the two families complicated any chance of reconciliation.
Synonyms
bitternessresentmentill willspiteenmityhostility
Antonyms
forgivenessgoodwillamityreconciliationkindness
Etymology
From Latin rancor, rancoris meaning bitterness or grudges, related to rancēre 'to stink; to be rancid'. The word entered English via Old French rancor, retaining its sense of bitter hostility.
Mnemonic
RANCOR: Resting Anger Nurtures Cold Old Resentment
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Suspect
verbTo believe that something is true or probable; to have a suspicion about something.
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adjectiveRelating to or applying to events that have already occurred; taking effect from a date in the past.
Martinet
nounA person who imposes strict discipline and demands obedience to orders; a very strict disciplinarian
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Enmity
nounHostility; deep-seated ill will or animosity between individuals or groups.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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