rhetoric rhet·oric BrE [ˈretərɪk]  NAmE [ˈretərɪk]  noununc | Vocabulary

rhetoric

rhet·oric BrE [ˈretərɪk]  NAmE [ˈretərɪk]  noununcountable

1. (formal, often disapproving) speech or writing that is intended to influence people, but that is not completely honest or sincere

• the rhetoric of political slogans

• empty rhetoric

• His speech was dismissed as mere rhetoric by the opposition.

2. (formal) the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences or entertains people

Syn: ↑eloquence, Syn: ↑oratory

 

Word Origin:

[rhetoric] Middle English: from Old Frenchrethorique, via Latin from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē) ‘(art) of rhetoric’, from rhētōr ‘rhetor’.

 

Example Bank:

• Behind all the rhetoric, his relations with the army are tense.

• He was prepared to use militant rhetoric in attacking his opponents.

• Her speech was just empty rhetoric.

• Little has changed, despite the rhetoric about reform.

• official rhetoric on the virtues of large families