Arrant - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Arrant means complete or utter, often used to emphasize something negative or extreme. For example, arrant nonsense means absolute foolishness. It intensifies the quality described.
Definition:
Complete, utter, or extreme (used to emphasize something bad).
Synonyms:
utter, absolute, downright, unmitigated
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
partial, incomplete
Common Collocations:
arrant nonsense, arrant cowardice, arrant hypocrisy
Derivatives:
arrantly (adverb)
Usage Tips:
Use "arrant" before nouns to intensify negative qualities (e.g., "arrant fool"). Avoid overuse; it’s emphatic and formal.
Common Phrases:
arrant knave, arrant nonsense, arrant liar
Etymology:
From Middle English "erraunt," meaning wandering or vagabond; later evolved to imply extreme or notorious behavior.
Examples:
- 1. The politician’s lies were arrant deceit.
- 2. She dismissed his excuse as arrant nonsense.
- 3. His behavior was an arrant display of selfishness.
- 4. The critic called the film an arrant waste of time.