rhetoric

[ret-er-ik]

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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.

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

Related Words for rhetoric

oratory, hyperbole, grandiloquence, bombast, magniloquence, verbosity, pomposity, elocution, eloquence, rant, discourse, oration, address, balderdash, fustian, composition

Examples from the Web for rhetoric

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of rhetoric

But the art, as far as there is an art, of rhetoric does not lie in the direction of Lysias or Thrasymachus.
Phaedrus
Plato
But the art is not that which is taught in the schools of rhetoric; it is nearer akin to philosophy.
Phaedrus
Plato
We see therefore that even in rhetoric an element of truth is required.
Phaedrus
Plato
This is not an easy task, and this, if there be such an art, is the art of rhetoric.
Phaedrus
Plato
But I still want to know where and how the true art of rhetoric and persuasion is to be acquired.
Phaedrus
Plato

British Dictionary definitions for rhetoric

rhetoric

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

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).