rhetorical

English

WOTD – 26 February 2007

Etymology

From Latin rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορικός (rhētorikós, concerning public speaking).

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/, /ɹəˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ɹɪˈtɔɹɪkəl/, /ɹəˈtɔɹɪkəl/
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Adjective

rhetorical (not comparable)

  1. Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade.
    A rhetorical question is one used merely to make a point, with no response expected.
  2. Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument.

Translations

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