Subscribe To This Site
A Word A Day : Rhetorical
Sunday, 16th March 2008 : Today's Word is ...
Rhetorical
Pronunciation : ri-táw-rik'l
1. relating to the skill of using language effectively and persuasively
2. relating to or using language that is elaborate or fine-sounding but insincere
3. characterized by overelaborate or bombastic speech
4. emphasizing style at the expense of thought
NOTE:
The word is often used in a pejorative sense to describe speaking or writing that is skillfully executed but insincere or devoid of meaning. A political candidate's speech that was long on drama and promises but short on genuine substance might be dismissed as mere rhetoric.
Origin unknown
bombastic, pompous, pretentious, periphrastic, voluble, showy, flashy, declamatory, theatrical, contrived, effusive, high-flown, highfalutin, oratorical, verbal, linguistic, stylistic, grandiloquent, magniloquent
NOTE:
Grandiloquent means lofty in style, pompous or bombastic.
Magniloquent means lofty and extravagant in speech.
concise, inarticulate, tongue-tied, humble, quiet, reserved, restrained, subtle, understated
• He delivered a speech punctuated by rhetorical pauses.
• If I am rhetorical it is because Stroeve was rhetorical.
• He leaned back cautiously, for the chair on which he sat had a ricketty leg, and it was disconcerting when a rhetorical flourish was interrupted by a sudden fall to the floor.
• rhetoric : Noun
• rhetorically : Adverb
Enjoy this list and then get around for preparing your own list of words. There is no better way of boosting your words power. The most effective way to build your vocabulary is described in the page on Word Power. Educational research has discovered that your I.Q. is intimately related to your Word Power. Take a standard Vocabulary test and then an intelligent test, the result in both will be substantially the same. The more extensive your vocabulary, the better your chances of success, other things being equal- success in attaining your educational goals, success in moving ahead in your business or professional career, success in achieving your intellectual potential.
Previous Word|
Next Word
Follow These Links!
