rhetorical question

American  

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-] / rɪˈtɔr ɪ kəl ˈkwɛs tʃən, -ˈtɒr- /

noun

Rhetoric.

1. a question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion of affirmation or denial and not to elicit a reply, as “Has there ever been a more perfect day for a picnic?” or “Are you out of your mind?”

---

rhetorical question British  

noun

1. a question to which no answer is required: used esp for dramatic effect. An example is Who knows? (with the implication Nobody knows )

---

rhetorical question Cultural  

1. A question posed without expectation of an answer but merely as a way of making a point: “You don't expect me to go along with that crazy scheme, do you?”

---

rhetorical question Idioms  

1. A question asked without expecting an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect. The expected answer is usually “yes” or “no.” For example, Can we improve the quality of our work? That's a rhetorical question. [Late 1800s]

---

Etymology

Origin of rhetorical question

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The answer to her rhetorical question is layered.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

It’s not entirely a rhetorical question; a lot of people at least pretended to.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2025

An ally of Mr Philp suggested the minister had been asking a rhetorical question, rather than a real one, as he tried to clarify what he had been asked.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Looking at recent years and at its current ownership, one must wonder if this is a rhetorical question.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2024

Something about the tone of his voice or the reaction of the other children told me this was a purely rhetorical question.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• comment
• explanation
• feedback
• interpretation
• justification
• key
• observation
• rebuttal
• remark
• report
• resolution
• response
• result
• return
• sign
• solution
• statement