Rankled is a word that is often misspelled due to its tricky pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈræŋkəld/, which represents the sounds of the individual letters. The 'r' at the beginning is pronounced like the initial consonant in 'red', followed by the short 'a' in 'ank'. The next syllable is 'kəld', with a schwa sound between the 'k' and 'l'. When spelled correctly, rankled means to cause irritation or annoyance, and can be a useful word in expressing frustration.
Rankled is a verb that refers to the feeling of irritation, bitterness, or resentment that arises from a particular issue or circumstance. When someone is rankled, they experience a deep-seated sense of anger or frustration that cannot be easily shaken off. The term implies a persistent and lingering feeling of annoyance that may continue to bother the person for an extended period.
The word rankled is often used to describe emotional or psychological distress caused by an event, situation, or remark that deeply offends or upsets someone. It suggests that the individual has been deeply affected by the hurtful action and is unable to let go of their negative emotions. This lingering discontent can lead to continued resentment or bitterness, poisoning the person's thoughts and affecting their behavior.
Rankled can also be used to describe a reaction stemming from a perceived injustice or violation of one's rights or values. It indicates a strong sense of indignation or vexation that festers within the person. The feeling of being rankled may drive individuals to take action in order to rectify the perceived wrong or seek justice in some form.
In summary, rankled describes a deep and persistent feeling of irritation, bitterness, or resentment caused by a particular event, situation, or remark. It suggests a profound and long-lasting emotional impact that continues to trouble an individual, leading to negative thoughts and potentially motivating actions to address the cause of their discontent.
The word "rankled" derived from the Middle English verb "rancle" or "rauncle", which itself derived from the Old French word "raoncle", meaning "boil" or "abscess". This Old French term came from the Vulgar Latin word "raccula", which means "running sore" or "ulcer". Ultimately, the Latin word "raccula" can be traced back to the Latin verb "rancere", meaning "to be rotten" or "to fester". Hence, the word "rankled" currently refers to a feeling of irritation, resentment, or bitterness, much like a festering wound.