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rhetorical

 - 2 dictionary results

rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl, -tor-]
–adjective
1. used for, belonging to, or concerned with mere style or effect.
2. marked by or tending to use bombast.
3. of, concerned with, or having the nature of rhetoric.

Origin:
1470–80; < L rhētoric(us) (< Gk rhētorikós) + -al 1


rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal⋅ness, noun


1. verbal, stylistic, oratorical.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rhetorical
rhe·tor·i·cal   (rĭ-tôr'ĭ-kəl, -tŏr'-)   
adj.  
  1. Of or relating to rhetoric.

  2. Characterized by overelaborate or bombastic rhetoric.

  3. Used for persuasive effect: a speech punctuated by rhetorical pauses.

rhe·tor'i·cal·ly adv.
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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