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

Health officials are warning of a spike in measles cases across parts of the United States as anti-vaccine rhetoric gains traction, fueled in part by high-profile figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

From Salon

“Hence, accompanying BoJ rhetoric is therefore where the ‘action’ arguably resides,” the head of Macro Research for Asia ex-Japan says in an email.

From The Wall Street Journal

His credentials for the Celtic job were, at best, thin, despite the excited rhetoric of some observers in America, who painted him as a special one and his capture as a coup.

From BBC

Kast seems to hope his rhetoric will encourage irregular migrants to leave voluntarily.

From BBC

All the while, Owens’ rhetoric about Erika Kirk has grown increasingly personal.

From Salon

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory