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Diatribe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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diatribe

[หˆdaษช.ษ™หŒtraษชb ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

angry speech

A diatribe is a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something. It is usually characterized by its harsh and critical tone, often filled with anger or contempt.

Synonyms

harangue, invective, rant, tirade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diatribe

Used when referring to a forcefully bitter and prolonged verbal attack against someone or something, often filled with anger and criticism.

  • The professor launched into a diatribe against the government's education policy
  • The book is essentially a diatribe against modern consumer culture
rant

Often used to describe speaking or writing in a loud, excited, or angry manner, typically lacking logic or coherence. Can be seen as informal or emotional.

  • After a few drinks, he went on a rant about his ex-boss
  • Her online rant about the service at the restaurant drew a lot of attention
tirade

Usually used for a long, angry speech, marked by criticism or accusation. Generally negative and unprovoked, often implying a sudden outburst.

  • The employee's unexpected tirade shocked everyone in the meeting
  • He launched into a tirade against the company's new policies without any warning
harangue

Typically employed when describing a lengthy and aggressive speech meant to persuade or criticize someone, but can sometimes imply a tedious and exhausting nature.

  • He gave us a harangue on the importance of discipline in the workplace
  • The politician's harangue lasted for almost an hour, exhausting the audience
invective

Used when describing speech or writing that insults, abuses, or denounces someone harshly and vehemently. Often has a strong negative connotation.

  • The journalist's article was filled with invective against the corrupt officials
  • The coach was fired after hurling invective at his players during the game

Examples of usage

  • She launched into a diatribe against the government's policies.
  • His diatribe against his ex-boss was full of venom.
  • The politician's speech turned into a diatribe against his opponents.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In modern literature, a diatribe is often used to convey a character's strong opinions or emotional turmoil.
  • Successful authors like Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift used diatribes in their work to effectively critique society and politics.
  • The term is often seen in reviews of literature and film where the critic expresses extreme disapproval.

Political Discourse

  • Diatribes are common in political debates, where speakers may launch into passionate criticisms of opponentsโ€™ ideas or actions.
  • Politicians often use diatribes to appeal to their base by expressing anger or disappointment with rivals.
  • Social media amplifies diatribes as individuals express strong opinions about societal issues quickly and loudly.

Media and Journalism

  • In journalism, diatribes can be found in opinion pieces, where writers passionately argue against certain policies or social issues.
  • Highly charged editorials may be labeled diatribes when they lack balance or appear overly emotional.
  • Media commentators frequently use diatribes to engage audiences and provoke emotional responses from viewers.

Psychology

  • People often use diatribes as a form of venting frustration, allowing them to express negative emotions in a socially acceptable way.
  • Psychologically, engaging in a diatribe can relieve stress temporarily, though it may not resolve underlying issues.
  • The cathartic nature of a diatribe can sometimes lead to healing, but can also result in deeper conflicts if not moderated.

Origin of 'diatribe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'diatribe,' meaning 'to spend time' or 'to pass time,' which evolved to mean a critical discourse.
  • Originally, it was used in the context of philosophical discussions, indicating lectures or critiques.
  • In the 17th century, it started being used more often to describe harsh criticisms in literature and speech.

The word 'diatribe' originated from the late Latin word 'diatriba', which means 'learned discussion' or 'discourse'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to a more hostile and aggressive form of speech.

See also: tribal, tribesman.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,890, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.