rhetoric

[ ret-er-ik ]

/ ˈrɛt ər ɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rhetoric ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

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

the study of the effective use of language.

the ability to use language effectively.

the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.

the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.

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

(in older use) a work on rhetoric.

Nearby words

rhesus monkey, rhet., rhetian, rhetic, rhetor, rhetoric, rhetorical, rhetorical question, rhetorical stress, rhetorician, rheum

Origin of rhetoric

1300–50; < Latin rhētorica < Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) rhetorical (art); replacing Middle English rethorik < Medieval Latin rēthorica, Latin rhētorica, as above

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rhetoric

“You try to always scratch where the itch is,” Huckabee said about his campaigning and rhetoric in the 2008 primary.
Why This Liberal Hearts Huckabee|Sally Kohn|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He has struck a promising tone these last few days with his rhetoric about trying to “see each other.”
Memo to Cops: Criticisms Aren’t Attacks|Michael Tomasky|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Francis is well into his seventies, looks it, has a mild demeanor and soft speaking style; but his rhetoric is electrifying.
How Pope Francis Became the World’s BFF|Jason Berry|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In return, Cuban rhetoric wholeheartedly blamed the United States for crippling their economy.
Cuba Is A Kleptocracy, Not Communist|Romina Ruiz-Goiriena|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I saw it first hand during the conflict in Gaza this summer when friendships ended as the conflict and the rhetoric heated up.
Muslims & Jews Unite vs. Abercrombie & Fitch|Dean Obeidallah|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was, says Southey, a species of rhetoric in which they indulged freely, and exceeded all other sectarians.
Library Notes|A. P. Russell
"Damn the stocks," began Mr. Stirn, plunging right in medias res, and by a fine use of one of the noblest figures of rhetoric.
The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 2, January, 1851|Various
I had not the energy to correct his rhetoric, or whatever it was, by explaining that a blow can't be bitter.
The Brightener|C. N. Williamson
It is a good rule in travelling, as in rhetoric, to keep the best to the last, and wind up with a climax.
From Egypt to Japan|Henry M. Field
The great Edmund Burke exhausted against it all his unrivalled powers of rhetoric.
The Canadian Portrait Gallery Volume 3|John Charles Dent

British Dictionary definitions for rhetoric

rhetoric

/ (ˈrɛtərɪk) /

noun

the study of the technique of using language effectively

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

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

speech or discourse that pretends to significance but lacks true meaningall the politician says is mere rhetoric

Word Origin for rhetoric

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rhetoric

rhetoric

early 14c., from Old French rethorique, from Latin rhetorice, from Greek rhetorike techne "art of an orator," from rhetor (genitive rhetoros) "speaker, orator, teacher of rhetoric," related to rhesis "speech," rhema "word, phrase, verb," literally "that which is spoken," from PIE *wre-tor-, from root *were- "to speak" (cf. Old English word, Latin verbum, Greek eirein "to say;" see verb).

rhetoric

noun

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Origin of rhetoric

Examples from the Web for rhetoric

British Dictionary definitions for rhetoric

rhetoric

noun

Word Origin for rhetoric

Word Origin and History for rhetoric

rhetoric