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

Americans are trying to parse his rhetoric on the campaign trail with the realities of the government as they decide how to plan for their future.

From Salon

That resulted in a much larger pool of Black and Latino voters who were receptive to Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric.

From Salon

A spokesperson added that organisers rely on the collaboration with police and local authorities, but "this continued rhetoric unquestionably has a detrimental effect on the events planning process".

From BBC

Syrians are generally repelled by extreme religious rhetoric.

From BBC

Set aside their incendiary us-versus-them rhetoric, however, and look at their actual achievements and those right-wing demagogues turn out to have a record that can only be described as dismal.

From Salon

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory