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rhetoric

Pronunciation: /ˈrɛtərɪk/

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Definition of rhetoric

noun

[mass noun]
  • the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques: he is using a common figure of rhetoric, hyperbole
  • language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content:all we have from the Opposition is empty rhetoric

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French rethorique, via Latin from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē) '(art) of rhetoric', from rhētōr 'rhetor'

rhetoric in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of rhetoric in the US English dictionary

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