Used in a Sentence

rhetorical

How to use rhetorical in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for rhetorical.

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Editorial note

I know it's a pointless rhetorical question, but... how on earth has it come to this?

Examples6
Definitions2
Parts of speech1

Quick take

of or relating to rhetoric; "accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested"- W.A.White; "the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation"- Lewis Mumford

Meaning at a glance

The clearest senses and uses of rhetorical gathered in one view.

adjective

of or relating to rhetoric; "accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested"- W.A.White; "the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation"- Lewis Mumford

adjective

given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought; "mere rhetorical frippery"

Definitions

Core meanings and parts of speech for rhetorical.

adjective

of or relating to rhetoric; "accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested"- W.A.White; "the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation"- Lewis Mumford

adjective

given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought; "mere rhetorical frippery"

Example sentences

1

I know it's a pointless rhetorical question, but... how on earth has it come to this?

2

Why does everyone say 'travel' or 'volunteer' when these questions get asked?I'm not being rhetorical or sarcastic.

3

Sorry for the implication -- it's mostly an extended rhetorical device.

4

I hope some enterprising journalist works out some way to wiggle in there and try to figure out exactly what all these administrators are doing, because to me, it's not a merely a rhetorical question.

5

The analogy highlights the rhetorical technique of abstracting something to such a degree that opposition seems unreasonable.

6

Arguing that his words are hypocritical is a kind of Ad Hominem Abuse, something generally discouraged on HN as a kind of intellectual laziness, a rhetorical appeal to emotion rather than an analysis of the argument being debated.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.

How do you use rhetorical in a sentence?

I know it's a pointless rhetorical question, but... how on earth has it come to this?

What does rhetorical mean?

of or relating to rhetoric; "accepted two or three verbal and rhetorical changes I suggested"- W.A.White; "the rhetorical sin of the meaningless variation"- Lewis Mumford

What part of speech is rhetorical?

rhetorical is commonly used as adjective.