rhetoric
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect but often lacking substance GRE
Example in Context
The candidate's rhetoric about economic transformation was stirring, but critics pointed out the complete absence of specific policy proposals.
Synonyms
persuasioneloquenceoratory
Etymology
The art of speaking persuasively, originating from the Greek word for speaker.
- rhetor (Greek) — speaker
Memory Aid
🏠Sounds like “red attic”
Imagine a RED ATTIC filled with fancy speeches that SOUND great but are just old dust!
Visual Association
🎤A person at a podium, gesturing wildly with exaggerated expressions, trying to convince an audience.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “rhetoric” mean on the GRE?
rhetoric (noun) means “The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect but often lacking substance”. The candidate's rhetoric about economic transformation was stirring, but critics pointed out the complete absence of specific policy proposals.
How to remember “rhetoric” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “rhetoric” sounds like “red attic”. Imagine a RED ATTIC filled with fancy speeches that SOUND great but are just old dust!
What are synonyms for “rhetoric”?
Common synonyms: persuasion, eloquence, oratory.