rhetoric

American  

[ret-er-ik] / ˈrɛt ər ɪk /

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.

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rhetoric British  

/ 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

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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."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rhetoric

But U.S. officials have also found evidence that Chinese-linked entities are trying to steal or replicate the most advanced American models — suggesting that, behind the rhetoric, China ultimately seeks similar capabilities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

"I understand that all the political rhetoric is uncomfortable and of course we stand 100 percent with Denmark. There's no question about it," Stubb said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

As Burnham moves into the next phase of his autumn, there is a recognition from some around him that he will need to produce some more significant policies to underpin his rhetoric.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

In recent days, he has only dialed up his rhetoric.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

The great joke about Puttenham, though, is that he survives not only for his work on rhetoric but as an instance of its effectiveness.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory