What does rancor mean?
Rancor is a formal noun meaning deep, enduring bitterness or hostility, often directed toward a person, group, institution, or event. It is stronger and more durable than a passing irritation and commonly conveys the idea of a grudge that has been prolonged or reinforced. “Political rancor” and “deep-seated rancor” are typical expressions, while related terms include “rancorous” for behavior marked by such resentment and “rancorously” for actions performed with bitterness. In North American English, the word is normally spelled “rancor”; British English more often retains the spelling “rancour.” Although rancor can describe interpersonal hostility, it is also frequently used in reporting and public discussion to characterize bitter disputes involving politics, religion, race, or other contested issues. The word’s formal register makes it particularly appropriate for serious or elevated contexts rather than casual conversation.
nounA feeling of deep and continuing bitterness or hostility, especially toward a person, group, or past event.
- A feeling of deep and continuing bitterness or hostility toward a person, group, institution, or event.
"Years of legal disputes had left her with a deep and persistent rancor toward the company."
"The speech reopened old political rancor rather than resolving the dispute."
"She answered the insult calmly, refusing to answer with rancor."
The plural is uncommon but grammatically regular; writers often use phrases such as “feelings of rancor” instead.
"Old rancors continued to divide the organization long after the original dispute had ended."
Its Latin ancestor meant both “rancidity” and “grudge,” joining sensory disgust with resentment in one word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rancor
Middle English borrowed the word from Anglo-French rancour, which came from Latin rancor. Latin rancor could denote rancidity as well as a grudge, and English established the noun in the sense of bitter or hostile feeling. The spelling “rancour” remains common in British English, whereas “rancor” is standard in North America; “rancorous” and “rancorously” were later formed from the same base.
Related word forms
How rancor is actually used
The word is formal and emotionally strong. It suggests resentment that has persisted over time, rather than a brief annoyance or ordinary disagreement.
Easily confused with rancor
Rancour is the traditional British spelling of the same word, while rancor is the standard North American spelling.
Rancor denotes sustained bitterness or hostility, whereas random means lacking a definite pattern or purpose.