rhetoric

Rhetoric is the art of using words well when speaking or writing.

(noun)

An example of rhetoric is when a politician can describe a problem and make it sound like it is not a problem.
An example of rhetoric is a insincere offer by someone to do something.

See rhetoric in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. the art of using words effectively in speaking or writing; esp., now, the art of prose composition
2. skill in this
3. a treatise or book on this
artificial eloquence; language that is showy and elaborate but largely empty of clear ideas or sincere emotion

Origin: ME rethorike < OFr or L: OFr rethorique < L rhetorica < Gr rhētorikē (technē), rhetorical (art) < rhētōr, orator: see rhetor

See rhetoric in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
b. A treatise or book discussing this art.
Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
a. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.
b. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous: His offers of compromise were mere rhetoric.
Verbal communication; discourse.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English rethorik

Origin: , from Old French rethorique

Origin: , from Latin rhētoricē, rhētorica

Origin: , from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē), rhetorical (art)

Origin: , feminine of rhētorikos, rhetorical

Origin: , from rhētōr, rhetor; see rhetor

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