rhetoric — the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈretərɪk/
Example Sentences
- His wedding speech was full of beautiful rhetoric, but everyone knew he copied it from the internet.
- The CEO's rhetoric about 'work-life balance' rang hollow when employees were required to work weekends.
- She studied classical rhetoric to improve her debate skills.
rhetoric
NOUN[/ˈretərɪk/]
the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
The smooth politician opened his mouth and literally blew shiny, empty golden bubbles of rhetoric over the unimpressed crowd.
RHETOR(speaker) + IC(skill) — rhetoric is the powerful skill an orator uses to physically pull the crowd with his glowing words.
Trying to hide his sudden panic, the terrible salesman used a cheap magic smoke bomb and loud, blinding rhetoric to distract the angry customer.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Ancient Greek 'rhetorikos' (relating to an orator), derived from 'rhetor' meaning 'orator' or 'speaker'. The term was used in classical Greece to describe the art of public speaking and persuasion.
Breakdown
Greek 'rhetor' (orator/speaker) + '-ic' (relating to) = rhetoric (the art of effective speaking)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His wedding speech was full of beautiful rhetoric, but everyone knew he copied it from the internet.”
“The CEO's rhetoric about 'work-life balance' rang hollow when employees were required to work weekends.”
“She studied classical rhetoric to improve her debate skills.”
“The advertisement was pure rhetoric - the product didn't deliver on any of its promises.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.