From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishrhetoricalrhe‧tor‧i‧cal /rɪˈtɒrɪkəl $ -ˈtɔː-, -ˈtɑː-/ adjective 1 → rhetorical question2 PERSUADEusing speech or writing in special ways in order to persuade people or to produce an impressive effect a speech full of rhetorical phrases —rhetorically /-kli/ adverb
Examples from the Corpus
rhetorical• At one level this statement is clearly metaphorical and rhetorical.• This chapter explores the points of contact between the theory of social representations and the rhetorical approach.• And, sure, he spent Wednesday in Chicago pumping wind into his rhetorical drive for tougher education standards.• She delivered her speech with her usual rhetorical fire.• Still others claim that they lack the rhetorical or interpersonal skills to communicate honestly and openly.• Consider these two rhetorical questions, from an essay on Othello: Does this tell us about Shakespeare?• Republicans concede that the president has an uncanny rhetorical talent that he has used effectively to put congressional leaders on the defensive. 