rhetoric

[ret-er-ik]

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.

rhetoric

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

C14: via Latin from Greek rhētorikē ( tekhnē ) (the art of) rhetoric, from rhētōr _rhetor

Example Sentences

"The key test will be whether officials can move beyond rhetoric to deliver concrete measures that revive household spending and confidence," she added.

Read more on Barron's

She and many other voters have also been turned off by his inflammatory rhetoric targeting journalists, whom he says "we don't hate enough," and "degenerate prosecutors," among others.

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Away from the paper trail, has the political rhetoric changed over recent years?

Read more on BBC

The advertising and promotional material “often distorts, exaggerates, and manipulates scientific evidence and rhetoric to sell stem-cell products, therapies, and ideas,” the paper states.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Moscow has arrested a group of Tajiks over the attack, tightened its migration policies, upped police raids and pushed anti-migrant rhetoric.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• hyperbole 
• oratory