rhetoric

[US]/ˈretərɪk/
[UK]/ˈretərɪk/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques
adj. using language effectively to impress or persuade, especially insincerely

Phrases & Collocations

rhetorical device

rhetorical question

rhetorical analysis

Example Sentences

rhetoric that fueled the dissenters.

talk of ‘rhetoric’ and ‘strategy’ is impertinent to this process.

this rhetoric offers a post hoc justification for the changes.

the rhetoric faded before the sun of reality.

Do you know something about rhetoric?

the rhetoric and mythos of science create the comforting image of linear progression toward truth.

Thomas Carlyle, notwithstanding his tedious rhetoric, is a master of the sublime in prose style.

Behind all the rhetoric, his relations with the army are dangerously poised.

This is a center of learning where one can gain a basic education in the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, dialectics, arithmetic).

What he craved was neither luxury nor the high rhetoric of history painting, but apprehensible truth, visible, familiar, open to touch and repetition.

When transformation of parts of speech takes place, we should distinguish synchronism from diachronism, grammar from rhetoric anti fixity from temporariness.

These were carried over in mediæval universities as the Quadrivium which, together with the Trivium of grammar, rhetoric and dialectic, constituted the septem liberales artes (seven liberal arts).

Real-world Examples

Tehran and Washington ratcheted up the rhetoric.

Source: New York Times

Critics have accused Trump of inflaming the rhetoric.

Source: VOA Daily Standard October 2018 Collection

You're angry. You're angry at Washington and uses angry rhetoric.

Source: BBC Listening March 2016 Compilation

While this sounds like progress, the reality does not always match the rhetoric.

Source: The Guardian (Article Version)

And this is how Joe Biden sees that rhetoric.

Source: NPR News September 2020 Compilation

" We need to be focused on toning down the rhetoric" .

Source: VOA Daily Standard January 2021 Collection

So " gentlemen" has its own symbolism and its own rhetoric.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) April 2016 Compilation

On Monday, de Blasio asked everyone to tone down the rhetoric.

Source: NPR News December 2014 Collection

The US wants China to pressure Pyongyang to scale back its rhetoric.

Source: NPR News April 2013 Collection

Not everyone buys the win-win rhetoric.

Source: Past years' graduate entrance exam English reading true questions.

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now