rhetoric

The word “rhetoric” means the skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing. In plain terms, the art of persuasive language — sometimes used approvingly (skilled speaking), sometimes critically (all talk, no substance).

“Rhetoric” is pronounced rih-TO-rihk (/ɹɪˈtɒɹɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “rhetoric” used in a sentence: “She studied classical rhetoric to sharpen her public speaking.”

Words with a similar meaning to “rhetoric” include speechcraft and wordcraft.

“Rhetoric” is a noun.

The word “rhetoric” comes from Greek. From Greek rhetorikos, "of an orator," from rhetor ("public speaker").

“Rhetoric” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

“Rhetoric” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing.

"Rhetoric" can be neutral or negative: neutrally it is the skill of using language persuasively, and negatively it is impressive-sounding language that lacks real substance. Context decides which is meant — "the rhetoric of great speeches" praises the skill, while "just empty rhetoric" is a criticism.

Rhetoric is the art or skill of persuasive language in speech or writing, while oratory is specifically the practice of formal public speaking. Rhetoric covers the techniques of persuasion; oratory is the act of delivering a speech, often eloquently.

"Rhetoric" is the noun for persuasive language or its study, while "rhetorical" is the adjective, as in "rhetorical skill" or "a rhetorical question." A rhetorical question, for instance, is asked for effect rather than to get an answer.