Rant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rant
[rænt ]
Definitions
expressing strong emotions
A long, angry, and critical speech or piece of writing, often expressing frustration or dissatisfaction with a particular situation.
Synonyms
diatribe, harangue, tirade, vent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rant |
Used when someone speaks or writes in an angry or excited manner, often criticizing something. It can be informal and relatively spontaneous.
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| diatribe |
Reserved for a bitter, sharply abusive verbal attack or criticism. This term often has a more formal tone and is used in written or spoken contexts that are intensely negative.
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| tirade |
Implies a prolonged and forceful outburst, often emotionally charged. It usually conveys a sense of sustained criticism or denunciation.
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| harangue |
Usually refers to a lengthy and aggressive speech, often delivered publicly. It emphasizes the element of sustained verbal attack and can be both negative and persuasive.
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| vent |
Means the release of strong emotions, such as anger or frustration. It's less formal and can be used for both written and spoken contexts, usually without a specific target.
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Examples of usage
- He went on a rant about the poor service at the restaurant.
- She went on a rant on social media about the unfair treatment she received.
- After a long day, he ended up going on a rant about his annoying coworkers.
- The customer's rant about the product's quality went viral on the internet.
- I couldn't help but join in on her rant about the lack of diversity in the workplace.
expressing strong emotions
To speak or write at length in an angry, impassioned way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rant |
Used when someone is speaking or writing in a loud, prolonged, and impassioned way, usually with strong opinions or anger. Often seen as unfocused or exaggerated.
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| rave |
Applicable when someone speaks or writes with great enthusiasm or praise about something, or can also mean talking wildly or incoherently, often due to strong emotions or madness.
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| scold |
Typically used when someone is reprimanding someone else, often in a more informal and slightly less intense manner than berate. Suitable for everyday situations, including mild disapprovals.
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| berate |
Effective for situations where someone is being scolded or criticized severely and at length, usually in a very harsh tone. This term often carries a negative connotation.
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| vent |
Best used when someone is expressing their feelings, particularly negative ones, openly and in a typically more controlled manner than ranting. Often involves talking about frustrations or angers to let off steam.
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Examples of usage
- He tends to rant about political issues whenever he gets the chance.
- She ranted about the injustice she witnessed.
- Don't be surprised if he starts ranting about the government policies again.
- After the incident, she ranted to her friends about the lack of support she received.
- The customer ranted to the manager about the poor service.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Rants have become popular in the digital age, with many YouTube channels dedicated to ranting about movies, games, and social issues.
- The song 'Rant and Rave' by the group The Bad Seeds uses the term to express frustration and urgency.
- Comic artists often incorporate rants in their work to offer humorous or satirical commentary on current events.
Psychology
- Ranting can be a way to cope with stress, allowing individuals to vent emotions and express frustrations.
- Studies suggest that expressing oneself loudly can increase feelings of empowerment and relief.
- While ranting can feel therapeutic, it may also lead to heightened anger if not balanced with more constructive communication.
Literature
- Ranting characters are prevalent in literature, often used to depict passion, frustration, or comic relief, like the character of Bertie Wooster in P.G. Wodehouse's works.
- In ancient texts, like the works of Plato, figures often engaged in rants to convince others of their philosophical beliefs.
- Modern novels frequently include rants as a literary device to highlight character struggles or societal critique.
Media
- Ranting shows and podcasts have gained a massive audience, with fans tuning in for passionate takes on various topics.
- Live television debates often feature rants as a strategy to engage viewers and provoke strong emotional reactions.
- Rants are frequently shared on social media platforms, sparking discussions and sometimes controversies among users.
Origin of 'rant'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'rant' comes from the Dutch word 'ranten', which means to talk wildly or boast.
- In Shakespeare's time, it was commonly used to refer to extravagant or exaggerated speech.
- The usage of 'rant' in English became popularized in the 19th century among social and political commentators.
The word 'rant' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Dutch word 'ranten' meaning 'to talk foolishly'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify speaking or writing in an angry, impassioned way. The term gained popularity in the context of expressing strong emotions or frustrations. Today, 'rant' is commonly used in both spoken and written communication to convey intense feelings or criticisms.