English Explanatory Dictionary

rhetoric

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  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.

Pronunciation

/ɹɪˈtɒɹɪk/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-rhetoric1.wav /ˈɹɛtəɹɪk/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-rhetoric2.wav

Word forms

rhetoric rhetorick rhetorics

Etymology

From Middle English rethorik, from Latin rēthoricus, rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορῐκός (rhētorĭkós). By surface analysis, rhetor + -ic.

Synonyms

rhetorical speechcraft wordcraft

Related words

preterition

Derived words

rhetoricity current-traditional rhetoric deep rhetoric public rhetoric rhetorical rhetorician
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