French word

rancœur

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɑ̃kœʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounresentment

Example

Il garde encore de la rancœur contre son ancien ami.

He still feels resentment toward his former friend.

Illustration for rancœur (resentment)

More examples

Elle n'a montré aucune rancœur après leur dispute.

She showed no resentment after their argument.

Core concept

A bitter stain left on the mind by an old wound.

Common phrases

  • garder de la rancœur

    hold a grudge

  • nourrir de la rancœur

    harbor resentment

  • se débarrasser de sa rancœur

    get rid of resentment

Similar words

rancune: A long-held grudge against someone because of a past event.
colère: A strong feeling of anger that appears suddenly or lasts briefly.
haine: An intense feeling of hatred and hostility toward someone.

Definition in French

Sentiment de colère durable envers une personne ou une situation, né d'une injustice ou d'une blessure passée.

Word origin

French rancœur comes through Old French rancor from Latin rancor, a word for bitterness that also developed the sense of lasting resentment.

Usage tips

  • Rancœur is feminine, so standard forms include une rancœur and de la rancœur.

Opposites

Word lists with this word