Rhetoric: meaning, definitions and examples

🗣️

Add to dictionary

rhetoric

[ˈretərɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art of effective speaking or writing

Rhetoric is the art of speaking or writing effectively. It involves using language persuasively to influence and impress others. Rhetoric focuses on the use of various techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos to craft compelling arguments.

Synonyms

eloquence, oratory, persuasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rhetoric	Often used to describe the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, but can have a negative connotation when referring to language that is insincere or lacking in meaningful content. The political candidate's speeches were full of empty rhetoric. Studying rhetoric can help improve your ability to argue persuasively.
oratory	Specifically refers to the skill of public speaking, particularly in a formal and esteemed setting. It is often associated with speeches given in political or judicial contexts. He was renowned for his powerful oratory in the courtroom. The president's oratory skills were highly praised during his inaugural address.
eloquence	Refers to fluent, graceful, and persuasive speech or writing, often admired for its aesthetic qualities and ability to move an audience. The poet's eloquence captivated the audience. Her speech was a perfect example of eloquence in public speaking.
persuasion	Involves the act of convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. It focuses more on the intent and effectiveness of the communication rather than its stylistic qualities. Her powers of persuasion were unmatched; she could sell anything to anyone. Effective persuasion often involves understanding the audience's needs and values.

Examples of usage

Her speech was full of powerful rhetoric that moved the audience.
Political leaders often use rhetoric to sway public opinion.
The art of rhetoric has been studied and practiced for centuries.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

empty language or insincere speech

Rhetoric can also refer to empty language or insincere speech that is used to deceive or manipulate others. It involves the use of words that may sound impressive but lack genuine meaning or substance.

Synonyms

bombast, empty talk, grandiloquence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rhetoric	This word is often used when discussing the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, particularly in public settings such as political speeches. His rhetoric inspired many to take action The candidate's rhetoric was powerful and convincing
bombast	This term is typically used to describe speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but lacks real thought or substance. It has a negative connotation. The review criticized the author's bombast in the novel His speech was full of bombast and empty promises
grandiloquence	This word refers to a style of speaking or writing that is lofty, pompous, or extravagant, often to the point of being overly showy or pretentious. It usually has a negative connotation. Her grandiloquence at the meeting was off-putting to many The essay was criticized for its grandiloquence and lack of clear argument
empty talk	This phrase is used to describe speech that has no real value or meaning. It suggests that someone is speaking a lot without saying anything substantial. It is generally negative. All the promises he made turned out to be just empty talk We don't need any more empty talk; we need real action

Examples of usage

The politician's rhetoric was criticized for being deceptive and manipulative.
Don't be fooled by his empty rhetoric; look at his actions instead.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'rhetorikḗ', meaning 'the art of oratory'.
Its root 'rhetor' refers to a speaker or orator, emphasizing the importance of spoken language.
The study of rhetoric has been around since ancient times, influencing education and communication.

History

In ancient Greece, famous philosophers like Aristotle wrote extensively about rhetoric, classifying it into three main types: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic).
Rhetoric was a key skill in political discourse in ancient Rome, shaping public opinion and legislative debates.
Throughout history, great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Winston Churchill showcased their rhetoric skills, effectively moving millions with their speeches.

Pop Culture

Rhetorical devices are often found in songs, poems, and movies to heighten emotions and appeal to audiences, such as metaphors and similes.
Political debates often serve as modern arenas for rhetoric, where candidates use persuasive language to win support.
Social media platforms have become new grounds for rhetoric, where hashtags, memes, and posts are crafted to sway public opinion.

Psychology

The effectiveness of rhetoric often depends on understanding the audience's emotions and values, tapping into what resonates with them.
Rhetorical questions can provoke thought and engage the audience, causing them to reflect on their beliefs or choices.
Cognitive biases influence how people respond to persuasive language, such as the bandwagon effect, where individuals align their views with popular opinions.

Literature

Many renowned authors, like Shakespeare and Jane Austen, employed rhetorical techniques in their literature to add depth to characters' dialogues.
Rhetoric can enhance narrative style; for instance, using anaphora (repeating phrases) creates rhythm and emphasizes themes.
Writing workshops often teach rhetoric to help aspiring writers effectively communicate their ideas and evoke strong responses from readers.

Translations

Translations of the word "rhetoric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retórica

🇮🇳 वाक्पटुता

वक्तृता
भाषण कला

🇩🇪 Rhetorik

🇮🇩 retorika

🇺🇦 риторика

🇵🇱 retoryka

🇯🇵 修辞学

🇫🇷 rhétorique

🇪🇸 retórica

🇹🇷 retorik

🇰🇷 수사학

🇸🇦 بلاغة

🇨🇿 rétorika

🇸🇰 rétorika

🇨🇳 修辞学

🇸🇮 retorika

🇮🇸 rökfræði

🇰🇿 риторика

🇬🇪 რიტორიკა

🇦🇿 retorika

🇲🇽 retórica

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,470 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6467 axial
6468 sewer
6469 waist
6470 rhetoric
6471 wishing
6472 evaporation
6473 responding
...