rhet·o·ric

[ret-er-ik]
noun
1.
(in writing or speech) the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.
2.
the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.
3.
the study of the effective use of language.
4.
the ability to use language effectively.
5.
the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.
6.
the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.
7.
(in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.
8.
(in older use) a work on rhetoric.

Origin:
1300–50; < Latin rhētorica < Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) rhetorical (art); replacing Middle English rethorik < Medieval Latin rēthorica, Latin rhētorica, as above

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Rhetoric is a GRE word you need to know.
So is eloquent. Does it mean:
having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech:
excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, especially about trivial matters
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World English Dictionary
rhetoric (ˈrɛtərɪk) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  the study of the technique of using language effectively
2.  the art of using speech to persuade, influence, or please; oratory
3.  excessive use of ornamentation and contrivance in spoken or written discourse; bombast
4.  speech or discourse that pretends to significance but lacks true meaning: all the politician says is mere rhetoric
 
[C14: via Latin from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē) (the art of) rhetoric, from rhētōrrhetor]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

rhetoric
c.1300, from O.Fr. rethorique, from L. rhetorice, from Gk. rhetorike techne "art of an orator," from rhetor (gen. rhetoros) "orator," related to rhema "word," lit. "that which is spoken," from PIE *wre-tor-, from base *were- "to speak" (cf. O.E. word, L. verbum, Gk. eirein "to say;" see verb).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
How telling that your comment echoes the twisted rhetoric of those slanderous
  efforts.
Not that rhetoric was abjured, merely that it was powerfully adapted to a
  different task and greatly changed in the process.
But such bravado, especially if it proves more than rhetoric, is likely to be
  rare.
He has all the proper sentiments, and his rhetoric and rimes are easy work for
  him.
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