rhetoric
rih-TO-rihk
Rhetoric (noun) means the skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing. Example: “The teacher showed us how rhetoric can make a speech far more convincing.”
noun
1
The skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing.
"The teacher showed us how rhetoric can make a speech far more convincing."
"Ancient Greek students trained in rhetoric so they could argue well in public."
"She studied classical rhetoric to sharpen her public speaking."
"Transport Minister Marples, meanwhile, used arrogant rhetoric and showed his personal contempt for railways when confirming in Parliament that a third of the network was to be closed even before the survey results were known."
— Howard Johnston, Was Marples the real railway wrecker? (2023)
2
Language that sounds impressive but is empty of real substance.
"Beyond all the fine rhetoric, the council has not fixed a single road."
"I am tired of the angry rhetoric that fills the comment section every day."
"Voters grew tired of empty campaign rhetoric with no concrete plans."
How to use rhetoric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe art of persuasive language — sometimes used approvingly (skilled speaking), sometimes critically (all talk, no substance).
Common mistake
Often used with a negative slant ("just rhetoric") to mean words without real action behind them.
Common pairings
empty rhetoric
political rhetoric
the art of rhetoric
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rhetoric.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rhetorics
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher showed us how _____ can make a speech far more convincing.
Etymology
From Greek rhetorikos, "of an orator," from rhetor ("public speaker").
Synonyms
View more →
oratory
eloquence
bombast
grandiloquence
bluster
verbiage
ornateness
grandiosity
palaver
magniloquence
speechcraft
wordcraft
Related words
Rhymes for rhetoric
See all rhymes for rhetoric →Frequently asked questions
What does “rhetoric” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “rhetoric”?
“Rhetoric” is pronounced rih-TO-rihk (/ɹɪˈtɒɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “rhetoric” in a sentence?
Here is “rhetoric” used in a sentence: “She studied classical rhetoric to sharpen her public speaking.”
What is another word for “rhetoric”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rhetoric” include speechcraft and wordcraft.
What part of speech is “rhetoric”?
“Rhetoric” is a noun.
Where does the word “rhetoric” come from?
The word “rhetoric” comes from Greek. From Greek rhetorikos, "of an orator," from rhetor ("public speaker").
Is “rhetoric” a common word?
“Rhetoric” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “rhetoric” have?
“Rhetoric” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "rhetoric"?
"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.
What is the difference between "rhetoric" and "oratory"?
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.
What is the difference between "rhetoric" and "rhetorical"?
"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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include rhetoric:
