THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
rhetorical
adjective
Relating to the effective use of language; sometimes intended for effect without expecting a literal answer.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
A rhetorical question is asked for an effect rather than to obtain an ordinary direct answer.
SEE IT IN USE
Examples in context
The speaker used a rhetorical question to introduce the central problem.
The rhetorical force of a student campaign speech came from a clear contrast between the broken bike racks and the simple repairs being proposed.
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Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
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The rhetoric family
rhetorical is grouped under rhetoric in the main dictionaries. This form keeps its meaning and previous study record.
rhetoricnoun
The art of effective expression; also language criticized as impressive but lacking substance.
The seminar examines how rhetoric shapes persuasive essays.
At a neighborhood exhibition meeting, Felix admired the speaker's rhetoric: a clear structure and memorable examples made the proposal easy to follow.
About this entry
This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: 11, 17.
A rhetorical question is asked for an effect rather than to obtain an ordinary direct answer.
Dictionary scope and sources