Rhetoric

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɹɛtorɪk/

Alternative forms

• rhetorick obsolete

Origin

From Latin rhētorica, from Ancient Greek ῥητορική, feminine form of ῥητορικός (rhētorikos, "concerning public speech"), from ῥήτωρ (rhētōr, "public speaker").

Full definition of rhetoric

Adjective

1. Synonym of rhetorical

Noun

1. The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
2. 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

• wordcraft

Derived terms

• rhetorical
• rhetorician

Anagrams

• torchier