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rhetoric

rhet·o·ric

rhetoric

 
 
pronunciation:
re t rihk
features:
Word Combinations (noun)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the art, ability, or study of using language effectively in speech or writing, esp. to influence or persuade one's audience.
Her skillful rhetoric serves her well in political debates.
synonyms:
cogency, diction, elocution, eloquence, oratory
definition 2: the study of language structure and style, esp. specialized aspects of language use in literature, such as figures of speech.
definition 3: the use of inflated or pretentious language, or such language itself; affectation in speech or writing.
One hears a good deal of rhetoric concerning this issue in Congress, but little seems to get done.
synonyms:
bombast, grandiloquence, magniloquence, orotundity, tumidity, turgidity
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