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

Explanation

Rhetoric is speaking or writing that's intended to persuade. If your goal is to write editorial columns for the New York Times, you should work on your rhetoric. Rhetoric comes from the Greek meaning "speaker" and is used for the art of persuasive speaking or writing. When people listened eagerly to long speeches and studied them in school, rhetoric was generally used positively; now it is often a negative term, implying artfulness over real content. If someone gives a clever speech but doesn't really address the problem, you might say, "That's just a lot of rhetoric."

Example Sentences

The other story above the front-page fold is a critique of the defense secretary: “Hegseth’s Vengeful Rhetoric Grew From Experience in Iraq.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Rhetoric does matter and they fear that what is essentially a matter of emphasis now could fracture into significant policy divisions in future.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2024

Rhetoric and statements are not what our students need; they need classes, they need coursework, and they need a community of faculty that will mentor, nurture and empower them to lead on these critical issues.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Rhetoric against Mayorkas has turned ugly at times.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2024

Aristotle’s Rhetoric was the first great systematic statement of how rhetoric works, and I draw on both its arguments and its structure throughout this book.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory