rhetorical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. 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
  2. adjective given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought
    • mere rhetorical frippery

WordNet

Rhe*tor"ic*al adjective
Etymology
L. rhetoricus, Gr. . See Rhetoric.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to rhetoric; according to, or exhibiting, rhetoric; oratorical; as, the rhetorical art; a rhetorical treatise; a rhetorical flourish.
    They permit him to leave their poetical taste ungratified, provided that he gratifies their rhetorical sense. M. Arnold.
    -- Rhe*tor"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Rhe*tor"ic*al*ness, n.

Webster 1913