rhetoric
(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.
Origin of rhetoric
1Words Nearby rhetoric
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use rhetoric in a sentence
Some environmental groups, however, have criticized Newsom for his approach to the oil industry, saying he has failed to live up to his rhetoric.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Says California Is Cracking Down on Oil Spills. But Our Reporting Shows Many Are Still Flowing. | by Janet Wilson, The Desert Sun | September 24, 2020 | ProPublicaSo there are clear discrepancies here between the rhetoric and the action.
If China plans to go carbon neutral by 2060, why is it building so many coal plants? | James Temple | September 23, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewThis can certainly change, particularly after a close race drenched with vituperative rhetoric.
Most Americans understand that we probably won’t see a winner on election night | Philip Bump | September 23, 2020 | Washington PostThis prompted congressional investigations, lawsuits, a lot of political rhetoric, and even more public worry about whether the disruptions pose a threat to what will likely be the most mail-reliant election in history.
How The Post Office Became A Political Football | Kaleigh Rogers (kaleigh.rogers@fivethirtyeight.com) | September 21, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightThis resulting chaos is reflected in divisive rhetoric and burning cities, in militarized citizenry and dictatorial echo chambers.
“You try to always scratch where the itch is,” Huckabee said about his campaigning and rhetoric in the 2008 primary.
He has struck a promising tone these last few days with his rhetoric about trying to “see each other.”
Francis is well into his seventies, looks it, has a mild demeanor and soft speaking style; but his rhetoric is electrifying.
In return, Cuban rhetoric wholeheartedly blamed the United States for crippling their economy.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTHe went as far as rhetoric, at school, and was then put in a bank by his aunt, Jacqueline Collin.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois ChristopheIt is only,” replies the friar, “to grace and adorn my speech; it is the colour of a Ciceronian rhetoric.
A Cursory History of Swearing | Julian SharmanIn Athens, rhetoric, mathematics, and natural history supplanted rhapsodies and speculations on God and Providence.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I | John Lordrhetoric became connected with dialectics, and in Greece, Sicily, and Italy both were extensively cultivated.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I | John LordThe men were mystified, but wine and rhetoric had fired them, and they cheered him—no one knew why.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete | Gilbert Parker
British Dictionary definitions for rhetoric
/ (ˈrɛtərɪk) /
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 meaning: all the politician says is mere rhetoric
Origin of rhetoric
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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