What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rancorous
Example
The rancorous dispute between the two neighbors continued for years. [rancorous: adjective]
Example
Her rancorous attitude towards her ex-husband was evident in her tone. [rancorous: adjective]
resentful
Example
She felt resentful towards her boss for not giving her a promotion. [resentful: adjective]
Example
He was resentful of his friend's success and refused to congratulate him. [resentful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resentful is more commonly used than rancorous in everyday language. Resentful is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rancorous is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rancorous and resentful?
While rancorous is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, resentful is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.