# rhetoric

/ˈɹɛtɝɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈɛtəɹˌɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rhetoric
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. persuasive speech

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the skill of using words effectively to persuade or influence an audience.

For teachers: the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

- The lawyer used powerful rhetoric to convince the jury that his client was innocent.
- Classical rhetoric remains a foundational element of legal education, providing students with the structural tools necessary to construct compelling oral arguments.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.

### 2. empty talk

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

speech or writing that sounds grand and important but is actually insincere or lacks real meaning.

For teachers: language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or intellectual content.

- The voters were tired of the politician's empty rhetoric and wanted real solutions.
- Despite the high-minded rhetoric regarding environmental protection, the corporation's actual policies remained largely unchanged.

Teaching tip: In modern political contexts, this word is frequently used with a negative connotation to imply that a speaker is lying or exaggerating.

## Examples

- The mayor's speech was full of empty rhetoric.
- The candidate relied on angry rhetoric to fire up the crowd, but offered very few practical solutions to the city's problems.
- While classical scholars study rhetoric as the foundational art of civic persuasion, modern political commentators often use the term dismissively to describe manipulative or hollow talking points.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.