diatribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "diatribe" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a lengthy and aggressive speech or writing that shows a strong feeling of disapproval or criticism. For example, "The politician's diatribe against the other candidate's policies was so harsh that it was almost impossible to stay civil during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somehow this turned into a diatribe about Irish people.

The Guardian - Opinion

In recent years, though, he's elected to put his money where his anarchist mouth is, turning down millions in settlement payments after his divorce from Katy Perry and using the profits from last year's political diatribe Revolution to set up a co-op cafe in Haggerston.

The Guardian - Film

The incoming government will be the holder of the megaphone and will be broadcasting for its own callow political purposes a continuous diatribe about Labor economic and budgeting incompetence.

The Guardian

In a piece for Slate this week, David Haglund describes Amy's "Cool Girl" diatribe – in which she lays bare her contempt for the men who expect their female partners to acquiesce to their desires – as "the cultural legacy of the book", but goes on to point out that in the film version, it's the women who pretend to be those "cool girls" who become the target.

The Guardian - Film

Informing the politician that it contains a declaration of support for him, he launches into a diatribe about immigration.

The Economist

In a 12-tweet diatribe, Marc Andreessen, who co-founded Netscape and is now a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, a hot Silicon Valley VC firm, took issue with both the apps and those investing in them.

The Economist

Iran was then in mid-war with the Iraqis, whom the Americans were backing, and Mr Khamenei seized the chance to launch a diatribe against American terrorism.

The Economist

Its verdict is likely to be mixed, though nowhere near as hostile as the endless press diatribe against the project suggests.

The Economist

Their call for a strike was accompanied by a diatribe against "feudal autocracy" and a call for a united front with the constitutional political parties.

The Economist

Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to dismiss Mr Taheri's book as merely a diatribe against the Shia mullahs.

The Economist

The publisher is already describing Mr Glass as the heir to Tom Clancy (for "The Hunt for Red October") and to Michael Crichton (for "State of Fear", his diatribe about global warming).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diatribe" when you want to emphasize the bitter and abusive nature of the criticism. Be mindful of the audience and context, as it can be perceived as overly aggressive.

Common error

Avoid using "diatribe" when a more neutral term like "critique" or "analysis" would be more appropriate. Its strong negative connotation can make your writing seem biased or inflammatory.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diatribe" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a type of speech or writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a lengthy and aggressive expression of disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "diatribe" is a noun denoting a bitter and abusive speech or piece of writing. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a tendency towards neutral to formal registers. While grammatically correct, writers should use "diatribe" judiciously, ensuring its strong negative connotation is appropriate for the intended message. Related terms like "tirade" or "harangue" may offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tirade

Similar in meaning, but often implies a more spontaneous outburst.

harangue

Suggests a lengthy and often pompous speech expressing strong opinions.

polemic

Implies a more formal and intellectual attack.

denunciation

Focuses on public condemnation or accusation.

vilification

Emphasizes the act of making defamatory statements.

invective

Highlights the use of abusive language.

rant

Suggests an excited, emotional, and often incoherent speech.

fulmination

Implies a violent denunciation or explosion of anger.

condemnation

Focuses on expressing strong disapproval.

attack

A general term for criticism or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "diatribe" in a sentence?

You can use "diatribe" to describe a speech or piece of writing that is a bitter and abusive denunciation. For example, "The senator's speech was a lengthy diatribe against the proposed legislation".

What words are similar to "diatribe"?

Synonyms for "diatribe" include "tirade", "harangue", and "polemic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "diatribe" a formal or informal word?

"Diatribe" is generally considered a formal word due to its specific and somewhat literary meaning. However, it can appear in news and media as well.

What is the difference between a "diatribe" and a discussion?

While a discussion involves a balanced exchange of ideas, a "diatribe" is a one-sided, bitter, and often abusive attack. The book by Erasmus titled Diatribe du docteur Akakia, actually implies discussion.