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| rhet·o·ric [ réttərik ] |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. persuasive speech or writing: speech or writing that communicates its point persuasively
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2. pretentious words: complex or elaborate language that only succeeds in sounding pretentious
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3. empty talk: fine-sounding but insincere or empty language
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4. skill with language: the ability to use language effectively, especially to persuade or influence people
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5. study of writing or speaking effectively: the study of methods employed to write or speak effectively and persuasively
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| [14th century. Via Old French rethorique< Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē) "(art) of public speaking" < rhētor "speaker"] |
