RHETORICAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rhetorical mean? 

• RHETORICAL (adjective)
  The adjective RHETORICAL has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to rhetoric

2. given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought

  Familiarity information: RHETORICAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RHETORICAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to rhetoric

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation

Pertainym:

rhetoric (using language effectively to please or persuade)

Derivation:

rhetoric (study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought

Context example:

mere rhetorical frippery

Similar:

bombastic; declamatory; large; orotund; tumid; turgid (ostentatiously lofty in style)

flowery; ornate (marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details)

empurpled; over-embellished; purple (excessively elaborate or showily expressed)

forensic (of, relating to, or used in public debate or argument)

grandiloquent; magniloquent; tall (lofty in style)

oratorical (characteristic of an orator or oratory)

poetic; poetical (characteristic of or befitting poetry)

stylistic (of or relating to style (especially in the use of language))

Also:

figurative; nonliteral ((used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech)

fancy (not plain; decorative or ornamented)

Antonym:

unrhetorical (not rhetorical)

Derivation:

rhetoric (study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking))