rhetorical

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English rethorycal, rethoricalle, rethorycall, from rethorik, rhetoric (noun) or Latin rēthoricus, rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορικός (rhētorikós, “concerning public speaking”). By surface analysis, rhetoric +‎ -al. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/, /ɹəˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/ (US) IPA(key): /ɹɪˈtɔɹɪkəl/, /ɹəˈtɔɹɪkəl/ === Adjective === rhetorical (not comparable) Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade. Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument. (of a question) Asked for dramatic or persuasive effect, rather than to get an answer. ==== Usage notes ==== (of a question) This term is typically used in the phrase rhetorical question, but is sometimes used predicatively. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== rhetoric ==== Translations ==== === Noun === rhetorical (plural rhetoricals) (education, dated) A study or exercise in rhetoric.