rhetoric
[ret-er-ik]
- (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.
Show More
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. 2018
Examples from the Web for rhetoric
Contemporary Examples
“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.
Historical Examples
But the art, as far as there is an art, of rhetoric does not lie in the direction of Lysias or Thrasymachus.
PhaedrusPlato
But the art is not that which is taught in the schools of rhetoric; it is nearer akin to philosophy.
PhaedrusPlato
We see therefore that even in rhetoric an element of truth is required.
PhaedrusPlato
This is not an easy task, and this, if there be such an art, is the art of rhetoric.
PhaedrusPlato
But I still want to know where and how the true art of rhetoric and persuasion is to be acquired.
PhaedrusPlato
rhetoric
- 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
Show More
Word Origin
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
n.
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).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper