rhetorical question

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-]

noun

Rhetoric.

1. a question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion of affirmation or denial and not to elicit a reply, as “Has there ever been a more perfect day for a picnic?” or “Are you out of your mind?”

rhetorical question

noun

1. a question to which no answer is required: used esp for dramatic effect. An example is Who knows? (with the implication Nobody knows )

rhetorical question

1. A question posed without expectation of an answer but merely as a way of making a point: “You don't expect me to go along with that crazy scheme, do you?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetorical question¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

A question asked without expecting an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect. The expected answer is usually “yes” or “no.” For example, Can we improve the quality of our work? That's a rhetorical question. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

This was a rhetorical question and thus required no answer.

Read more on Literature

“I believe Lady Constance meant that as a rhetorical question,” Penelope interjected, but the children’s enthusiasm for the topic had already taken over.

Read more on Literature

It’s not entirely a rhetorical question; a lot of people at least pretended to.

Read more on Salon

Obviously, it was a rhetorical question as Saldaña’s triumphs have continued unabated.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Exhausted and exasperated, the quarterback had a rhetorical question for the cluster: “Can’t you let a guy sulk in peace?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comment 
• explanation 
• feedback 
• interpretation 
• justification 
• key 
• observation 
• rebuttal 
• remark 
• report 
• resolution 
• response 
• result 
• return 
• sign 
• solution 
• statement