French word

rancune

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɑ̃kyn/

Meaning

  • feminine noungrudge

Example

Je garde une rancune contre toi.

I bear a grudge against you.

Illustration for rancune (grudge)

More examples

Ils n'ont plus de rancune après des excuses sincères.

They no longer hold a grudge after sincere apologies.

Core concept

A lingering taste of bitterness directed at someone after a perceived injustice.

Common phrases

  • garder une rancune

    hold a grudge

  • tenir rancune

    bear a grudge

Similar words

rancœur: An undying resentment tied to a past offense.
ressentiment: Resentment that builds up from dissatisfaction with past treatment.
colère: A fierce burst of anger that arises quickly.
amertume: A bitter feeling that lingers after disappointment.

Definition in French

Amertume durable et ressentiment envers une personne, souvent lié à un souvenir d'injustice.

Word origin

The noun rancune developed from Old French rancune, itself related to Latin rancor for a bitter or rancid condition.

Usage tips

  • Rancune describes lasting resentment rather than a brief anger, for which French commonly uses être fâché or être en colère.

Other meanings

  • resentmentnoun
  • rancornoun

Opposites

Related words

  • rancunierresentfuladjective

Word lists with this word