Langimage
English

rhetorical

|rhe/tor/i/cal|

B2

🇺🇸

/rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl/

🇬🇧

/rɪˈtɒrɪkəl/

related to rhetoric

Etymology
Etymology Information

'rhetorical' originates from the Greek word 'rhetorikos', where 'rhetor' meant 'speaker'.

Historical Evolution

'rhetorikos' transformed into the Latin word 'rhetoricus', and eventually became the modern English word 'rhetorical'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a speaker or orator', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to rhetoric or effective speaking'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

relating to or concerned with the art of rhetoric.

The speech was filled with rhetorical devices.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

(of a question) asked in order to produce an effect or to make a statement rather than to elicit information.

"Isn't it a bit too late now?" he asked rhetorically.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45