rhetorical stress

noun

1. stress required by the meaning of a line, as distinguished from that required by the meter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetorical stress¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Critics say that despite the administration's rhetorical stress on targeting those with criminal records and a level-off in illegal immigration, programs such as Secure Communities are in practice leading to unjust deportations.

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