Rants: meaning, definitions and examples
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rants
[ rænts ]
expressing anger
A rant is a long, passionate, and often loud speech or piece of writing in which someone expresses strong opinions or complaints about something. Rants can be spontaneous or planned, and they typically convey the speaker’s intense feelings.
Synonyms
diatribe, harangue, outburst, tirade.
Examples of usage
- She went on a rant about the unfair treatment of workers.
- His rants about politics often get a lot of attention.
- The article was a rant against modern technology.
- Listening to his rant made me think about the situation differently.
speaking loudly
To rant means to speak or shout in a wild, passionate, or sometimes incoherent manner, often expressing frustration or anger. Someone who rants may not be entirely focused on logical reasoning and might stray off-topic.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He ranted about the changes in the school system.
- She tends to rant when she feels overwhelmed.
- They ranted against the new regulations in the meeting.
- Stop ranting and get to the point.
Etymology
The word 'rant' is believed to have originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Dutch word 'ranten', which means 'to talk nonsense or to rave'. The term appears to have evolved in the English language to describe energetic and often loud expressions of emotions, especially anger or discontent. Initially, rants were more closely associated with theatrical or dramatic speeches, but over time, the term has broadened to encompass any vigorous or passionate verbal expressions. The popularity of the term has grown in contemporary usage, particularly with the rise of social media, where users often 'rant' about various topics ranging from politics to personal grievances, allowing for a new platform for public discourse. Its evolution reflects the changing ways people communicate and share their opinions in society.