French word

rhétorique

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁetoʁik/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrhetoric

Example

La rhétorique employée par ce politicien est très agressive.

The rhetoric employed by this politician is highly aggressive.

Illustration for rhétorique (rhetoric)

More examples

Il a décidé de changer de rhétorique après les critiques.

He decided to change his rhetoric after the criticisms.

Core concept

Words shaped into patterns, contrasts, and vivid figures that steer an audience's feelings or judgment.

Common phrases

  • changer de rhétorique

    change one's rhetoric

  • la rhétorique de campagne

    campaign rhetoric

  • la rhétorique de vente

    sales rhetoric

Similar words

style: Distinctive features and tendencies in the way someone speaks or writes.
persuasion: An effort to convince someone and change their opinion or behavior.
technique: A specific method used to achieve a particular goal.
phrase: A short group of words or a sentence that conveys meaning.

Definition in French

Ensemble de procédés langagiers et stylistiques employés pour persuader, émouvoir ou impressionner un auditoire.

Word origin

French rhétorique comes from Greek rhētorikē, meaning the art of public speaking, through Latin rhetorica and Old French.

Usage tips

  • In French, rhétorique can name the neutral art of persuasion or suggest empty, overworked language, depending on context.

Opposites

Related words

  • rhétoricienrhetoriciannoun
  • rhétoriquementrhetoricallyadverb

Word lists with this word