C2adjectivelanguage
US/rɪˈtɔːr.ɪ.kəl/
UK/rɪˈtɒr.ɪ.kəl/
connected with the art of persuasive speaking or writing; also said for effect, not to get an answer
In context
'Who doesn't love a holiday?' is a rhetorical question; nobody expects an answer.
The speech used rhetorical tricks like repetition and dramatic pauses.
His promises were mostly rhetorical; nothing changed after the election.
Words that go with rhetorical
adjective + noun
- rhetorical question'Are you serious?' was a rhetorical question, so I said nothing.
- rhetorical deviceRepetition is a classic rhetorical device in political speeches.
- rhetorical skillHer rhetorical skill won her the debate.
- rhetorical flourishHe ended his speech with a rhetorical flourish.
- rhetorical strategyStudents analyzed the rhetorical strategy of each advertisement.
adverb + adjective
- purely rhetoricalDon't worry, my question was purely rhetorical.