rhetoric
UK[ˈretərɪk]US[ˈretərɪk]
n
the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
n
language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content.
Morpheme Breakdown
rhetor
ic
rhetor
speaker
ic
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'rhetoric' traces its lineage to ancient greek, where 'rhētōr' designated a public speaker or orator, a figure central to civic life. this term itself is derived from the verb 'eirein', meaning 'to speak' or 'to say'. entering english via latin 'rhetorica' and old french 'rhetorique', the suffix '-ic' adapts it into a noun denoting the art or skill pertaining to the orator. thus, the literal 'pertaining to the speaker' evolved into the abstract system and practice of persuasive communication, a discipline formalized by aristotle and central to western education for centuries.
Analysis
Structure: rhetor (speaker) + ic (adjective-forming suffix)
rhetor (from greek rhētōr, meaning 'public speaker, orator'); ic (from latin -icus, greek -ikos, forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characteristic of').
Examples
the politician's speech was more empty rhetoric than substantive policy.
she studied classical rhetoric to improve her persuasive writing skills.
his argument was dismissed as mere rhetoric, devoid of factual evidence.