rancour

Everyday

Bitter, deep anger or hatred that lasts a long time after someone has hurt you. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history, old quarrels leave rancour between families or countries. In ethics and church lessons, forgiving means letting go of rancour. Phrase: «without rancour» means calmly, without bitterness.

Examples

• There was no rancour between the two friends after the argument. tree →
• The old feud left a lot of rancour. tree →
• She spoke without rancour about the past. tree →
• Rancour between the countries lasted for years. tree →
• Forgiveness can wash away rancour. tree →
• Toad bore no rancour once his friends had saved Toad Hall. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «rancour», not «a rancour». Spelling UK rancour, US rancor; adjective rancorous (no «u» in either). Similar: resentment, bitterness, spite.