rhetorical question

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-]

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

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

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?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetorical question¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

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