crossword clue harangue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "harangue" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate solutions, along with detailed explanations to help you solve it and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue harangue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RANT: A tirade, often angry and prolonged.
6 Letters
TIRADE: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
7 Letters
LECTURE: An educational speech, sometimes used pejoratively for a lengthy scolding.
8 Letters
DIATRIBE: A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
More About "crossword clue harangue"
"Harangue" is a fantastic crossword clue because it has several strong synonyms that vary significantly in length, allowing setters a lot of flexibility. Originating from the Italian "aringo," meaning public square, it implies a speech delivered to an assembly, often with an aggressive or passionate tone. While it can mean a lengthy and earnest speech, in common usage and especially in crosswords, it often carries a negative connotation of a scolding, critical, or even abusive lecture.
Understanding the nuances between terms like RANT, TIRADE, LECTURE, and DIATRIBE is key. A 'rant' is typically an impassioned, often incoherent, outburst. A 'tirade' is a more structured, but still angry, long speech of criticism. A 'lecture' can be purely educational but is often used in a crossword context to mean a tedious or scolding talk. A 'diatribe' is a forceful and bitter verbal attack, often more formal and severe than a rant.
When you encounter "harangue" in a puzzle, consider the number of letters first, then look for any surrounding clues or themes that might suggest a particular synonym's tone or formality. This strategic thinking will help you choose the correct answer from the available options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "harangue," consider if the clue implies anger (RANT, TIRADE, DIATRIBE) or simply a long speech (LECTURE). The context of the puzzle's theme or other clues can often provide hints.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. It's the most definitive filter for potential answers when multiple synonyms exist.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Fill in letters from intersecting words. This is often the quickest way to confirm or eliminate possibilities for ambiguous clues.
- Think of Verb Forms: Although "harangue" is used as a noun here, sometimes clues can subtly point to verb forms that share the same root meaning, expanding your potential solutions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "harangue" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "harangue" typically refers to a lengthy, aggressive, or passionate speech. Answers often include synonyms like RANT, TIRADE, or DIATRIBE, varying by letter count.
Are there common word lengths for "harangue" answers?
Yes, common lengths include 4 letters (e.g., RANT), 6 letters (e.g., TIRADE), 7 letters (e.g., LECTURE), and 8 letters (e.g., DIATRIBE). The context of the surrounding clue words can often help narrow down the possibilities.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like "rant" and "tirade"?
While similar, "RANT" implies a more disorganized, passionate outburst, often less formal. "TIRADE" suggests a more structured, yet still angry and critical, extended speech. "DIATRIBE" is similar to tirade but often emphasizes the bitter and forceful nature. Pay attention to any nuances in the clue.