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

Whatever the risks of his speechifying, you had to admire — here in our age of political infotainment — the natural finesse with which Springsteen threaded his prepared rhetoric into Tuesday’s set.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But there’s a big caveat: “Decreases only last as long as the situation remains positive. Any new escalations or rhetoric can quickly reverse the expected drops,” De Haan told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s the kind of rhetoric that shocks the conscience, even in a presidency defined by shock.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

His vague rhetoric was meant to appease a nation increasingly opposed to the conflict.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

These scholars present science as being about rhetoric, persuasion and authority because the symmetry principle obliges them to assume that that is all it can be about.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory