rhetoric

American  

[ret-er-ik] / ˈrɛt ər ɪk /

noun

1. (in writing or speech) the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.

2. the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.

3. the study of the effective use of language.

4. the ability to use language effectively.

5. the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.

6. the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.

7. (in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.

8. (in older use) a work on rhetoric.

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rhetoric British  

/ ˈrɛtərɪk /

noun

1. the study of the technique of using language effectively

2. the art of using speech to persuade, influence, or please; oratory

3. excessive use of ornamentation and contrivance in spoken or written discourse; bombast

4. speech or discourse that pretends to significance but lacks true meaning

   all the politician says is mere rhetoric

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Etymology

Origin of rhetoric

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin rhētorica, from Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) “rhetorical (art)”; replacing Middle English rethorik, from Medieval Latin rēthorica, Latin rhētorica, as above

Example Sentences

But while the organization’s rhetoric can be laughably hyperbolic, a quick peek under the hood reveals a record that cannot be laughed away.

From Salon

“If Europe chooses to move beyond rhetoric and puts capital market measures on the table, even implicitly, the shock would dwarf anything tariffs could achieve,” Innes said.

From MarketWatch

“If Europe chooses to move beyond rhetoric and puts capital market measures on the table, even implicitly, the shock would dwarf anything tariffs could achieve,” Innes said.

From MarketWatch

He noted that Chávez, despite his fierce anti-U.S. rhetoric, maintained extensive oil trade with the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

McCaul said the rhetoric alone has unsettled partners and emphasized that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is already covered under NATO’s mutual defense framework.

From Salon

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory