Rhetorical (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought; "mere rhetorical frippery".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The politician's speech was full of rhetorical flourishes, but lacked any real substance.
- His arguments were dismissed as mere rhetorical posturing, devoid of logic or reason.
- The article criticized the professor's writing style as overly rhetorical, prioritizing clever phrasing over clear communication.
- The reviewer panned the play as a mess of rhetorical devices and shallow emotions.
- The leader's call to action was seen as rhetorical grandstanding, intended to rally supporters rather than inspire meaningful change.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Of or relating to rhetoric; "accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested"- W.A.White; "the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation"- Lewis Mumford.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The professor pointed out the rhetorical device used in the poem to convey a sense of urgency.
- Her rhetorical flourishes during the speech won over the audience, if not the critics.
- The politician's rhetorical question about the state of the economy was met with skepticism.
- The poem's use of rhetorical questions created a sense of intimacy with the reader.
- The writer's rhetorical style was marked by clever turns of phrase and persuasive language.