browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
rhetoric |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Rhetoric \Rhet"o*ric\, n. [F. rh['e]torique, L. rhetorica, Gr ???? (sc. ???), fr ??? rhetorical, oratorical, fr ??? orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word cf ??? to say.] 1. The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in prose. 2. Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force. --Locke. 3. Hence artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling. 4. Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms. Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes. --Daniel. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: rhetoric n 1: using language effectively to please or persuade 2: high flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation [syn: {grandiosity}, {magniloquence}, {grandiloquence}] 3: loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric" [syn: {palaver}, {hot air}, {empty words}, {empty talk}] 4: study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
more about rhetoric