Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rhetoric
Rhet′o-ric
,Noun.
[F.
rhétorique
, L. rhetorica
, Gr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] (sc. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK]), fr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] rhetorical, oratorical, fr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word
; cf. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] to say.] 1.
The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in prose.
2.
Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force.
Locke.
3.
Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling.
4.
Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms.
Sweet, silent
rhetoric
of persuading eyes. Daniel.
Webster 1828 Edition
Rhetoric
RHET'ORIC
,Noun.
1.
The art of speaking with propriety, elegance and force.2.
The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms. We speak of the rhetoric of the tongue, and the rhetoric of the heart or eyes.Sweet silent rhetoric of persuading eyes.
Definition 2024
rhetoric
rhetoric
English
Alternative forms
- rhetorick (obsolete)
Adjective
rhetoric
- Synonym of rhetorical
Noun
rhetoric (countable and uncountable, plural rhetorics)
- The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
- Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
- It’s only so much rhetoric.
Usage notes
- Adjectives often applied to "rhetoric": political, legal, visual, classical, ancient, violent, empty, inflammatory, hateful, heated, fiery, vitriolic, angry, overheated, extreme.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
art of using language for persuasion
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meaningless language
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See also
- preterition
- Appendix:Glossary of rhetoric