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rhetorical - 3 dictionary results

rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal

  [ri-tawr-i-kuhl, -tor-]
Use rhetorical in a Sentence
–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

Related forms:
rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
rhe⋅tor⋅i⋅cal⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. verbal, stylistic, oratorical.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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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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Rhetorical

Rhe*tor"ic*al\, a. [L. rhetoricus, Gr. ????. See Rhetoric.] Of or pertaining to rhetoric; according to, or exhibiting, rhetoric; oratorical; as, the rhetorical art; a rhetorical treatise; a rhetorical flourish.

They permit him to leave their poetical taste ungratified, provided that he gratifies their rhetorical sense. --M. Arnold. -- Rhe*tor"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Rhe*tor"ic*al*ness, n.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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