rankle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈræŋ.kəl/
KK: /ræŋkəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cause a feeling of annoyance or resentment that lasts for a long time.
Example
The unfair treatment continued to rankle him for years.
Tense Forms
Past: rankled
Past Participle: rankled
Conversation
I can't believe she said that about me.
Yeah, it really seems to rankle you a lot.
It does! I wish she would just keep her opinions to herself.
Totally get it; some things just stick with you.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
irritate
fester
agitate
Antonyms
soothe
calm
appease
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel angry or annoyed, often for a long time.
Example
The unfair treatment continued to rankle him for years.
Tense Forms
Past: rankled
Past Participle: rankled
Conversation
I can't believe what he said at the meeting today.
I know, right? It really rankled a lot of us.
Exactly! It felt so uncalled for and rude.
Root Explanation
Rankle → It originates from the Old French word 'rancler', which means to fester or to cause irritation. The word describes a feeling of persistent annoyance or irritation, much like a wound that festers.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'festers' and causes irritation — that's why rankle means to feel annoyed or irritated.
Visually Confused Words
prankle
crankle
ankle
wankle
tankle
runkle
raukle
rangle