rhetoric
English
Alternative forms
- rhetorick (obsolete)
Etymology
From Latin rhētorica, from Ancient Greek ῥητορική (rhētorikē), feminine form of ῥητορικός (rhētorikos, “concerning public speech”), from ῥήτωρ (rhētōr, “public speaker”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
rhetoric
- Synonym of rhetorical.
Noun
rhetoric (countable and uncountable; plural rhetorics)
- The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
- Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
- It’s only so much rhetoric.
Usage notes
- Adjectives often applied to "rhetoric": political, legal, visual, classical, ancient, violent, empty, inflammatory, hateful, heated, fiery, vitriolic, angry, overheated, extreme.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
art of using language for persuasion
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meaningless language