rhetoric

1. 1
   art of persuasionnoununcountable

   The art of using language effectively, especially in public speaking, to persuade an audience.

   The senator's command of rhetoric let her sway even hostile audiences.

   Courses in rhetoric teach students how to structure a persuasive argument.

   Similaroratory, eloquence, persuasion

   Note

   Behind the noun is a Greek phrase cut short: rhētorikḕ tékhnē, "the art concerning public speech," with the word for art dropped and the adjective left to stand alone, built on rhḗtōr, "public speaker." The discipline itself is uncountable, but a rhetoric, plural rhetorics, can name one particular manner of persuading. An adjective often judges that manner, as in Howard Johnston's "arrogant rhetoric" for Minister Marples. Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 5 facts

   • The noun ultimately derives from Greek rhētorikḕ tékhnē through omission of tékhnē. en.wiktionary.org
   • The omitted Greek word tékhnē means art. en.wiktionary.org
   • The remaining word is a nominalized adjective. en.wiktionary.org
   • The adjective concerns public speaking and derives from rhḗtōr, meaning public speaker. en.wiktionary.org
   • Howard Johnston used the words 'arrogant rhetoric' about Transport Minister Marples. en.wiktionary.org
2. 2
   empty wordsnoununcountable

   Showy, exaggerated language that is intended to impress but carries little real meaning or substance.

   The campaign offered plenty of rhetoric but few concrete proposals.

   Behind the soaring rhetoric, the policy paper said almost nothing.

   UsageOften used with empty, mere, or just (empty rhetoric), or contrasted with action or substance.

   Similarbombast, grandiloquence, verbiage, hyperbole, bluster

3. 3
   persuasiveadjective

   Relating to rhetoric or its persuasive techniques; synonymous with rhetorical.

   Similarrhetorical

Showing meanings only. Show all 3