Rancor vs. Rancour
Cambridge labels “rancour” as UK formal and “rancor” as US formal for the same noun. This guide treats the choice as a documented spelling convention and does not invent a meaning difference between the variants.
Use “rancor” in standard US spelling and “rancour” in standard UK spelling; both refer to the same core idea of continuing bitter anger.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| standard US spelling | rancor | Use the -or spelling in US English. |
| standard UK spelling | rancour | Use the -our spelling in UK English. |
| choose between them based on meaning | do not | They express the same core meaning; the choice is regional spelling. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you following US spelling conventions?
If yes: Use “rancor.”
If no: Use “rancour” under ordinary UK spelling, or follow the required house style.
Caveat: Both regional spellings are standard in their respective varieties; do not convert the difference into a meaning distinction.
Examples
The debate ended without rancor.
“Rancor” is the standard US spelling.
The dispute created lasting rancour.
“Rancour” is the standard UK spelling.
Use one regional spelling convention consistently across the document.
The forms differ in spelling convention, not core meaning.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “rancor” in standard US spelling and “rancour” in standard UK spelling; both refer to the same core idea of continuing bitter anger.
Style Boundary
Choose the spelling that matches the audience, region, or house style, and keep that choice consistent where both forms are accepted.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Rancour — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK rancour and US rancor spelling distinction