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View synonyms for

rhetoric

[ ret-er-ik ]

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.


rhetoric

/ ˈɛəɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric1

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin ŧٴǰ, from Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) “rhetorical (art)”; replacing Middle English rethorik, from Medieval Latin ŧٳǰ, Latin ŧٴǰ, as above
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Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric1

C14: via Latin from Greek ŧٴǰŧ ( ٱŧ ) (the art of) rhetoric, from ŧō rhetor
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Or one of courage, where justice is more than just rhetoric?

From

No one should expect those Liberals to say thank you to the American leader, however – or for Trump to soften his rhetoric, even though last month he said he preferred a Liberal prime minister.

From

Katie Amess said she was "gobsmacked at the stupidity of somebody or a group of people being in the public eye and saying such dangerous, violent rhetoric".

From

But the Trump administration has continued its rhetoric on taking over Canada.

From

“I got stuck in this press conference, and I disagreed with all the actions that were taken, all the rhetoric that was stated, but I had to stay to ask for help for Michigan.”

From

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