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rhetoric - 4 dictionary results

rhet⋅o⋅ric

  [ret-er-ik]
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–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; < L rhētorica < Gk rhētorik (téchnē) rhetorical (art); r. ME rethorik < ML rēthorica, L rhētorica, as above
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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rhet·o·ric   (rět'ər-ĭk)   
n.  
    1. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
    2. A treatise or book discussing this art.
    3. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.
    4. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous: His offers of compromise were mere rhetoric.
  2. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
    1. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.
    2. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous: His offers of compromise were mere rhetoric.
  4. Verbal communication; discourse.

[Middle English rethorik, from Old French rethorique, from Latin rhētoricē, rhētorica, from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē), rhetorical (art), feminine of rhētorikos, rhetorical, from rhētōr, rhetor; see rhetor.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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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). Rhetorical "eloquent" is from 1476; rhetorical question first attested 1843.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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