Etymology
From Middle English rethorik, rhetoric, from Old French rhetorique, from Latin rhētorica, from Ancient Greek ῥητορική or rhētorikḗ, ellipsis of ῥητορικὴ τέχνη or rhētorik tékhnē, from ῥητορικός or rhētorikós (concerning public speech), from ῥήτωρ or rhḗtōr (public speaker).
Noun
rhetoric (countable and uncountable, plural rhetorics)
- The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
- I will be learning a lot about rhetoric in my public speaking class.
- Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
- I was not convinced by the rhetoric of any of the politicians.
Derived terms
- rhetorical
- rhetorician
Adjective
rhetoric (not comparable)
- Synonym of rhetorical; part of or similar to rhetoric.
Usage notes
The adjective form is usually pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, while the noun form has the emphasis on the first syllable.
Credits
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