Diatribe
/ˈdaɪəˌtraɪb/
nounC1
Definition
A diatribe is when someone talks or writes in a very angry and strong way to criticize or attack a person, idea, or thing. It usually lasts a long time and shows strong negative feelings.
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See It in Action
A long, angry speech or piece of writing criticizing someone or something
- •The politician gave a diatribe against the new law during the meeting.
- •Her diatribe about bad service lasted for several minutes.
- •The article was a diatribe against the company’s poor policies.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'diatribe' like 'talk' (A1 word), but a very angry and long talk that complains a lot.
- ✓Picture someone standing and shouting with strong words, showing anger and frustration.
- ✓It's the feeling when you are very upset and want to tell someone all the bad things you think about them or their actions.
- ✓Sounds like 'DIE-a-tribe' → imagine a tribe of people shouting loudly together in anger.
- ✓In stories, a character might give a diatribe when they are very angry at another person or a problem.
- ✓NOT like 'complaint' (short and simple), a diatribe is much longer and more intense.
- ✓NOT like 'discussion' (calm and polite), a diatribe is angry and one-sided.
- ✓NOT like 'argument' (can be calm or angry), a diatribe is always angry and harsh.
Try Other Words
- •Rant: a long, angry, and loud speech (Use when the speech is informal and emotional)
- •Tirade: a long, angry speech of criticism (Use as a close synonym, often in formal or literary contexts)
- •Criticism: expressing disapproval (Use when focusing on the negative opinion, not the length or anger)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: none clearly separable; whole word borrowed as is
- •Etymology: from Greek 'diatribe' meaning 'a spending of time,' later meaning 'discourse' or 'lecture'
- •Historical development: entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning a discourse or lecture, later took the meaning of a bitter or angry speech
- •Modern usage: used to describe long, angry speeches or writings that criticize strongly
Reflect & Connect
•How might a diatribe affect the people who listen or read it? Can it change their opinion or make them defensive?
•Have you ever heard or used a diatribe? What was the situation and how did it feel?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher’s diatribe was ___ by frustration because the students ___ not listen carefully.
2.During the meeting, he launched into a diatribe ___ the new policy and its effects.
3.A diatribe is different from a normal talk because it is full of ___ and strong words.
4.People often use a diatribe to express ___ feelings about a problem or person.
5.The angry diatribe was ___ by many people as too harsh and unfair.
6.When someone gives a diatribe, they usually want to ___ attention to an issue.
7.Unlike a calm discussion, a diatribe usually does not allow ___ from others.