rhetorical question

American  

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-] / rɪˈtɔr ɪ kəl ˈkwɛs tʃən, -ˈtɒr- /

noun

Rhetoric.

rhetorical questions plural

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?”

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rhetorical question British  

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 )

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rhetorical question Cultural  

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?”

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rhetorical question Idioms  

1. 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]

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• rhetorical questions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of rhetorical question

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The typical questions McEnvoy receives from clients center on the use of scooters and wagons, strollers and DAS passes, which cut down on wait times at the park for special-needs visitors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

She also turns to it for less typical questions, like looking up interviews with the actor Andrew Garfield and weird conspiracy theories.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2022

One of the most typical questions asked of potential jurors in a criminal case where police will testify, for instance, is whether they have ever had a bad experience with police.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2021

Here are some of your typical questions, which we have done our best to answer,

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2019

The boys would ask the typical questions an elder would ask his wife when he comes home.

From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola

Related Words

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