using language effectively to please or persuade
"The politician's speech was filled with inspiring rhetoric that successfully swayed the undecided voters toward his platform."
high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
"the grandiosity of his prose"
"an excessive ornateness of language"
study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
"The university offers a specialized course in rhetoric to teach students how to craft persuasive speeches through careful analysis of classical techniques."
The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
"The politician's speech was less about policy and more an exercise in rhetoric designed to win over the undecided voters."
In plain English: Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively to persuade or influence people's thoughts and actions.
"The politician's empty rhetoric failed to convince anyone that he would actually fix the problem."
Usage: Rhetoric refers specifically to the skillful use of persuasive language in speeches or writing rather than just general eloquence. Use it when discussing how words are crafted to influence an audience's opinions or actions.
Synonym of rhetorical.
"His speech was full of empty rhetoric that failed to address any real solutions."
The word "rhetoric" comes from the Latin rēthoricus, which was borrowed from the Ancient Greek rhētorikós. Originally, it referred to the skill or art of public speaking.