rhetoric
Americannoun
-
(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.
noun
-
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 meaning
all the politician says is mere rhetoric
Etymology
Origin of rhetoric
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
Explanation
Rhetoric is speaking or writing that's intended to persuade. If your goal is to write editorial columns for the New York Times, you should work on your rhetoric. Rhetoric comes from the Greek meaning "speaker" and is used for the art of persuasive speaking or writing. When people listened eagerly to long speeches and studied them in school, rhetoric was generally used positively; now it is often a negative term, implying artfulness over real content. If someone gives a clever speech but doesn't really address the problem, you might say, "That's just a lot of rhetoric."
Vocabulary lists containing rhetoric
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Argumentative Writing
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary of the Common Core
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The UN decision has also fuelled nationalist rhetoric online.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Economists say they aren’t ruling out another rate increase in December or February, given the RBA’s hawkish rhetoric in recent months.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
"The current criminal threat environment is febrile and when it comes to federal parliamentarians, the AFP continues to record the growing volume of online abuse, threatening rhetoric and intimidation," she said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026
After graduating with degrees in Spanish and rhetoric and communications studies, Horton played professionally in Europe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Crime and welfare were the major themes of Reagan’s campaign rhetoric.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
