rhetoric

Noun
Synonyms: grandiositymagniloquenceornatenessgrandiloquencepalaverhot airempty wordsempty talk

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. using language effectively to please or persuade
  2. high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation“the grandiosity of his prose”“an excessive ornateness of language”Synonyms: grandiositymagniloquenceornatenessgrandiloquence
  3. loud and confused and empty talk“mere rhetoric”Synonyms: palaverhot airempty wordsempty talk
  4. study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

2.Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

3.Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling. [1913 Webster]

4.Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms. [1913 Webster]

Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes.— Daniel.[1913 Webster]
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