noun

rhetoric

/ˈretərɪk/ · say it: RET·uh·rik

the art of persuasive speaking or writing

In Debate & Persuasion

the art of persuasive speaking and writing

In Literary English

In more detail

1. (noun) the art of speaking or writing effectively to persuade people

2. (noun) language that is intended to persuade but may not be honest or sincere

Examples

1. She studied rhetoric in university to improve her public speaking skills.
2. The politician's speech was full of empty rhetoric without any real solutions.

How to use rhetoric

Rhetoric can be neutral, referring to the skillful art of effective communication, or critical, implying manipulative or insincere language intended to sway opinion. The negative sense predominates in modern usage, especially in political contexts. It differs from mere speech by emphasizing the deliberate technique or artifice involved.

Common phrases

empty rhetoric
political rhetoric
inflammatory rhetoric
rhetorical question
heated rhetoric

Synonyms

eloquence · oratory · persuasion · discourse · language

Word family

rhetorical (adjective) · rhetorician (noun) · rhetorically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners often treat rhetoric as purely negative and overlook its classical, neutral sense as an art form taught in schools and universities.

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