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Rhetoric - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Rhetoric : (noun)
1: using language effectively to please or persuade
2: high flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
[syn: grandiosity, magniloquence, grandiloquence]
3: loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric" [syn: palaver,
hot air, empty words, empty talk]
4: study of the technique and rules for using language
effectively (especially in public speaking)
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Rhetoric : \Rhet"o*ric\, n. [F. rh['e]torique, L. rhetorica, Gr.
???? (sc. ???), fr. ??? rhetorical, oratorical, fr. ???
orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word; cf. ??? 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.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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Example Usage of Rhetoric |
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FarkusMalfoy: @AmericanLiberal I agree w/you. I do. But sometimes the amount of vitriol towrds our own sounds dangerously like the Rhetoric against... |
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TomBorthwick: As much as I dislike the Health Care Reform that passed the Senate, I dislike Michael Steele and Republican Rhetoric more. |
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luxlizbon: @dantuty the contrast of 2 conflicting images or ideas. i hav an exam on Rhetoric 2mrrw :) |
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