51Թ

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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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51Թ 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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51Թ 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.

Sports is one place where a fan should hopefully be able to escape political biases and rhetoric.

From

There is still room for the US and China to cut some sort of deal, but the rhetoric does not seem to be heading that way.

From

It was an echo of the anti-communist rhetoric that past military dictators and subsequent conservative leaders have frequently invoked against South Korean liberals, who have long been defined by their support for reconciliation with Pyongyang.

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US shoppers could very much be the frontline casualties in this trade war, blighted by higher prices and less choice, regardless of the president's rhetoric.

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The next chapter of this economic revolution begins now, with how the world reacts, in rhetoric and retaliation.

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