Rancorous
/ˈræŋ.kə.rəs/noun
Filled with bitterness, resentment, or deep hostility.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin *rancēre*, meaning “to be rank or rotten,” so emotional rancor was once imagined almost like a physical stench of decay.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reǵ- / *wreng-
“A debated prehistoric root family associated with stinking, rotting, or being foul; the exact deeper origin is uncertain.”
Latin
Latin
rancēre
“To be rank, rotten, or foul-smelling.”
Late Latin
Latin
rancor
“A rancid smell; later, bitterness or ill will.”
Old French
Old French
rancor
“Bitterness, resentment, grudge.”
Middle English
English
rancour
“Deep-seated resentment or ill will.”
Modern English
English
rancorous
“Full of bitter resentment or hostility.”