Spanish Conversation · Level 12
90 words
Spanish word
retórico
Pronunciation
IPA/reˈtoɾiko/
Meaning
- adjectiverhetorical
Example
Su estilo retórico logró convencer al público.
His rhetorical style managed to convince the audience.
More examples
La pregunta retórica no necesitaba respuesta.
The rhetorical question did not need an answer.
Core concept
Showy persuasive flourish in speech.
Common phrases
pregunta retórica
rhetorical question
tono retórico
rhetorical tone
Similar words
elocuente: Clear, fluent expression that convinces through clarity and feeling.
persuasivo: Direct argumentative wording meant to move a listener's judgment.
grandilocuente: Bombastic, pompous wording that uses exaggerated, imposing style.
afectado: Unnaturally mannered, pretentious speech that sounds staged.
Definition in Spanish
Que describe un estilo verbal que busca impresionar o persuadir mediante figuras retóricas y adornos del lenguaje.
Word origin
Derived from Greek rhetorikos through Latin rhetoricus, with roots in rhetor 'speaker' and a history tied to techniques of persuasion.
Usage tips
- Common collocations include pregunta retórica (a question not meant to be answered) and recurso retórico (a rhetorical device), so retórico typically labels persuasive tactics rather than plain facts.