rhetoric

[ret-er-ik]

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.

rhetoric

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

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

Example Sentences

During his 2024 campaign, Mackenzie pitched himself as running in order to “break away from the hateful rhetoric and get things done.”

From Salon

With Labour lagging in the polls, expect to hear the anti-Reform rhetoric ramped up - but exactly how to burst the populist bubble has proved challenging.

From BBC

"The takeaway from all of this is that the rhetoric has to stop," he said.

From BBC

But even as the senator criticized the threatening rhetoric, he praised the outcome.

From Salon

But Borysenko, whose exclusive coverage of the event immediately preceded Alter’s firing, has herself repeatedly espoused extreme rhetoric on social media, even publicly embracing “fascism” and revisionist histories of Nazi Germany.

From Salon

Related Words

• hyperbole 
• oratory