Rhetorical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/

Definitions

1. Relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking and writing, or asked merely for effect without expecting an answer
2. Pertaining to the skill of effective persuasion in communication, involving techniques that engage an audience or inquiries designed solely for effect rather than obtaining a response
3. Connected to the use of language aimed at convincing or influencing others ; posed not to gain information but to emphasize or provoke thought

Etymology: "Rhetorical" traces back to the Greek "rhētorikos," meaning "concerning public speaking," from "rhētōr," an orator or public speaker. The Romans borrowed the idea and the term as "rhētoricus," and Middle English later took the adjective with it, giving us the form "rethorycal" and similar spellings. The word is built on "rhetoric" with the adjective ending "-al," so it simply means "of or relating to rhetoric." The sense of "used to persuade" grows naturally from that origin, since ancient rhetoric was the art of persuasive public speaking. Over time the adjective shifted in English. Its most familiar modern use, a "rhetorical question" asked for effect rather than for an answer, shows how the notion of persuasion through skilled speech narrowed into a specific device of argument.

Synonyms: eloquent, oratorical, persuasive, artful, expressive

Antonyms: uneloquent, inarticulate, ineffective, impotent, vague