rhetoric
Pronunciation: /ˈrɛtərɪk/
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'