rhetoric

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun using language effectively to please or persuade
  2. noun high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
  3. noun loud and confused and empty talk

Etymology

From Middle English rethorik, from Latin rēthoricus, rhētoricus, from Ancient Greek ῥητορῐκός (rhētorĭkós). By surface analysis, rhetor + -ic.

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