rancor
Rancor (noun) means a deep, lasting bitterness or resentment toward someone, often from a perceived wrong. Example: “Years after the divorce, there was still rancor between them.”
How to use rancor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lingering feeling of bitterness or ill will.
Spelled "rancour" in British English, "rancor" in American English.
Word forms
rancored past tense, rancors plural, rancors singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Years after the divorce, there was still _____ between them.
Etymology
From Old French rancor, from Latin rancor, "rancidity" or "grudge" — the same root that gives us "rancid."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “rancor” mean?
The word “rancor” means a deep, lasting bitterness or resentment toward someone, often from a perceived wrong. In plain terms, a lingering feeling of bitterness or ill will.
How do you pronounce “rancor”?
“Rancor” is pronounced RANG-kuh (/ˈɹæ̝ŋkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rancor” in a sentence?
Here is “rancor” used in a sentence: “Years after the divorce, there was still rancor between them.”
What part of speech is “rancor”?
“Rancor” is a noun.
Where does the word “rancor” come from?
The word “rancor” comes from Latin. From Old French rancor, from Latin rancor, "rancidity" or "grudge" — the same root that gives us "rancid.".