rhetorical

Etymology

From Latin rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορικός (rhētorikós, “concerning public speaking”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/, /ɹəˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈtɔɹɪkəl/, /ɹəˈtɔɹɪkəl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

rhetorical (not comparable)

1. Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade.

   A rhetorical question is one used merely to make a point, with no response expected.

2. Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument.