noun
rhetoric
rih-TO-rihk
noun
1
The skill of using language persuasively, especially in speaking or writing.
"She studied classical rhetoric to sharpen her public speaking."
2
Language that sounds impressive but is empty of real substance.
"Voters grew tired of empty campaign rhetoric with no concrete plans."
How to Use Rhetoric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe art of persuasive language — sometimes used approvingly (skilled speaking), sometimes critically (all talk, no substance).
Common mistake
Often used with a negative slant ("just rhetoric") to mean words without real action behind them.
Common pairings
empty rhetoric
political rhetoric
the art of rhetoric
Word Forms
rhetorics plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “rhetoric”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied classical _____ to sharpen her public speaking.
Etymology
From Greek rhetorikos, "of an orator," from rhetor ("public speaker").