rhetorical - definition of rhetorical - synonyms, pronunciation, spelling from Free Dictionary

Open English WordNet

Adjective (2)

of or relating to rhetoric“accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested — W.A.White”“the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation — Lewis Mumford”Relating to rhetoric
given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought“mere rhetorical frippery”Opposite unrhetoricalSimilar oratorical, stylistic, forensic, bombastic, flowery, poetic, empurpled, grandiloquentSee also formal, figurative, fancy

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Rhe·tor′ic·al adjective

Origin: 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.— Matthew Arnold

— Rhe·tor′wb-a1′>′ic·al·ly, adverb — Rhe·tor′wb-a1′>′ic·al·ness, noun

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54