English Dictionary

Definition of “rancour

rancour or US rancor(ˈræŋkəPronunciation for )

Definitions

noun

  1. malicious resentfulness or hostility; spite

Alternative Forms

ˈrancorous adjective ˈrancorously adverb ˈrancorousness noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French, from Late Latin rancor rankness

Usage examples

  • Without rancour , I stood up, dried hastily and made for the hall.
    Edward Docx, THE CALLIGRAPHER (2003)
  • Even after administering a severe reprimand, he would move on to other subjects without any sign of rancour.
    Business Today (1999)
  • The row had "turned the Otahuhu church property from a symbol of unity to one of dissension and rancour ".
    New Zealand Herald (2003)
  • In debate he was a forceful, logical arguer but one able to accept other points of view without rancour.
    Independent (1998)
  • He was used to the idea that Robbie was leaving and so ridding his men of the rancour caused by his jealousy.
    Bernard Cornwell, The Grail Quest (3) HERETIC (2004)

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