Rancorous

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɹæŋ.kəɹ.əs/

Definitions

1. Bitter, spiteful, and full of deep-seated anger or resentment, especially in feelings or speech
2. Filled with intense bitterness and hostility that stems from long-held grievances or deep anger
3. Characterized by sharp resentment and acrimony rooted in prolonged conflict or ill will

Etymology: Rancorous is a straightforward formation: it is the adjective "rancor" plus the English suffix "-ous", meaning "full of." The suffix comes into English through Old French "-us" from Latin "-osus," which carried the same sense of abundance or possession, so a rancorous person is literally one full of rancor. The noun it builds on has a more surprising past. Rancor came into Middle English as "rancour" from Old French "rancor," which was borrowed from Latin "rancor," meaning rankness or a festering sore. The Latin word came from "rancēre," to be rank or rotten, the same root that gives English words like "rancid." Medieval writers thus described a lasting grudge in the language of spoiled food and infected wounds, as something that festered rather than simply faded.

Synonyms: bitter, resentful, vindictive, spiteful, malicious

Antonyms: benevolent, forgiving, kind, amicable, charitable