rancorous
/'ræɳkərəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- showing deep-seated resentment
- preserve...from rancourous envy of the rich- Aldous Huxley