rhetorical
pronunciation
How to pronounce rhetorical in British English:
UK [rɪˈtɒrɪkl]
How to pronounce rhetorical in American English:
US [rɪˈtɔrɪkl]
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- Adjective:
- of or relating to rhetoric
- concerned with effect or style of writing and speaking
Word Origin
- rhetorical (adj.)
- mid-15c., "eloquent," from Latin rhetoricus, from Greek rhetorikos "oratorical, rhetorical; skilled in speaking," from rhetor "orator" (see rhetoric). Meaning "pertaining to rhetoric" is from 1520s. Rhetorical question is from 1670s. Related: Rhetorically.
Example
- 1. Socrates was withering when it came to a polished rhetorical performance .
- 2. Mr obama is guilty not of rhetorical excess but of economic muddle .
- 3. You might dismiss that as rhetorical exuberance , but it becomes ever more apparent that his ambition is real .
- 4. Mr cash quotes bright 's dictum that " my life is in my speeches " many of which are rhetorical masterpieces ; but the reader wants more of the man more of the life outside the speeches .
- 5. This was , first , because it was a heartfelt compliment , and , second , because michelle could , thankfully , never be so easily dismissed , and , third , because , of all the rhetorical questions he could have asked , none was more apt at that moment .