Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by or showing bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will: Describes a person, feeling, or atmosphere filled with deep-seated, often spiteful, animosity.

Usage

• The adjective rancorous is used to describe intense, persistent bitterness. It is a formal term often applied to disputes, relationships, or feelings.
• It typically modifies nouns like , , , , or .

Examples

• The divorce proceedings were surprisingly rancorous, with both parties exchanging harsh accusations.
• After years of rancorous rivalry, the two politicians refused to even speak to each other.
• She could not let go of her rancorous feelings toward her former business partner.

Advanced Usage

• "rancorous envy": A phrase denoting envy that is particularly bitter and resentful.
  • The critic's review was dismissed as stemming from rancorous envy rather than fair judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Rancor (noun): The bitter, long-lasting resentment itself.
  • He spoke without a trace of rancor, despite the unfair treatment.
• Rancorously (adverb): In a rancorous manner.
  • The two sides argued rancorously for hours.

Synonyms

• Bitter: Having a sharp, unpleasant taste; (figuratively) feeling or showing anger, hurt, or resentment.
• Spiteful: Showing or caused by malice.
• Venomous: Full of malice or spite.
• Acrimonious: (Typically of speech or debate) angry and bitter.

Antonyms

• Forgiving: Willing to forgive.
• Benevolent: Well meaning and kindly.
• Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
• Conciliatory: Intended or likely to placate or pacify.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To harbor rancor: To hold onto bitter feelings.
  • It is unhealthy to harbor rancor for so many years.
• A rancorous split/divide: A separation marked by intense bitterness.
  • The merger failed, leading to a rancorous split between the companies.

Adjective

1. showing deep-seated resentment
   • preserve...from rancourous envy of the rich- Aldous Huxley