n. | 1. | The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in prose. |
2. | Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force. | |
3. | Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling. | |
4. | Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms. |
Noun | 1. | rhetoric - using language effectively to please or persuade |
2. | rhetoric - high flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation | |
3. | rhetoric - loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric" | |
4. | rhetoric - study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking) |