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

/ ˈrɛtərɪk /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin rhētorica, from Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) “rhetorical (art)”; replacing Middle English rethorik, from Medieval Latin rēthorica, Latin rhētorica, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhetoric¹

C14: via Latin from Greek rhētorikē ( tekhnē ) (the art of) rhetoric, from rhētōr rhetor

Example Sentences

Some environmental groups, however, have criticized Newsom for his approach to the oil industry, saying he has failed to live up to his rhetoric.

From ProPublica

So there are clear discrepancies here between the rhetoric and the action.

From MIT Technology Review

This can certainly change, particularly after a close race drenched with vituperative rhetoric.

From Washington Post

This prompted congressional investigations, lawsuits, a lot of political rhetoric, and even more public worry about whether the disruptions pose a threat to what will likely be the most mail-reliant election in history.

From FiveThirtyEight

This resulting chaos is reflected in divisive rhetoric and burning cities, in militarized citizenry and dictatorial echo chambers.

From Ozy

“You try to always scratch where the itch is,” Huckabee said about his campaigning and rhetoric in the 2008 primary.

From The Daily Beast

He has struck a promising tone these last few days with his rhetoric about trying to “see each other.”

From The Daily Beast

Francis is well into his seventies, looks it, has a mild demeanor and soft speaking style; but his rhetoric is electrifying.

From The Daily Beast

In return, Cuban rhetoric wholeheartedly blamed the United States for crippling their economy.

From The Daily Beast

I saw it first hand during the conflict in Gaza this summer when friendships ended as the conflict and the rhetoric heated up.

From The Daily Beast

He went as far as rhetoric, at school, and was then put in a bank by his aunt, Jacqueline Collin.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only,” replies the friar, “to grace and adorn my speech; it is the colour of a Ciceronian rhetoric.

From Project Gutenberg

In Athens, rhetoric, mathematics, and natural history supplanted rhapsodies and speculations on God and Providence.

From Project Gutenberg

Rhetoric became connected with dialectics, and in Greece, Sicily, and Italy both were extensively cultivated.

From Project Gutenberg

The men were mystified, but wine and rhetoric had fired them, and they cheered him—no one knew why.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hyperbole
• oratory