Rhetorical

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kÉ™l/, /ɹəˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kÉ™l/
• US IPA: /ɹɪˈtɔɹɪkÉ™l/, /ɹəˈtɔɹɪkÉ™l/

Origin

From Latin rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορικός (rhētorikos, "concerning public speaking").

Full definition of rhetorical

Adjective

1. Part of or similar to rhetoric, which is the use of language as a means to persuade.A rhetorical question, for example, is one used merely to make a point, with no response expected.
2. Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument

Related terms

• rhetoric
• rhetorical question
• rhetorically