April 07, 2023
Rhetorical questions are frequently used in the English language—you’ve probably asked one without even thinking about it. You use rhetoric when you attempt to persuade someone or make a point. The word “rhetorical” is an adjective related to the art of rhetoric. Learn what a rhetorical question is, differences between the three major types, and how to effectively use one to make an argument.
What is a rhetorical question?
When someone asks a rhetorical question, they ask a question that does not require or expect an answer. People use rhetorical questions to make a point or create a dramatic effect. Some rhetorical questions have no answer at all—for example, “How dare you?” is a rhetorical question. Other rhetorical questions ask an obvious question—for example, “Is the sky blue?”
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Rhetorical question types
The names for these rhetorical devices all stem from Ancient Greece. There are three types of rhetorical questions: anthypophora, epiplexis, and erotesis.
Anthypophora
Anthypophora, also known as hypophora, is a rhetorical question asked and answered right away by the asker. This type of rhetorical question allows the asker to avoid arguments from others. These anthypophora examples might sound familiar:
- Do you need water to survive? Yes, you do.
- Were you born yesterday? No, you weren’t.
- What makes the world go round? Money!
Epiplexis
An epiplexis is a rhetorical question used to reproach or make the recipient of the question feel bad. You can use this type of rhetorical question to chastise someone to prove a point. Some examples of epiplexis include:
- Why would you say that?
- Who doesn’t want to save the animals?
- Do you have no shame?
Erotesis
An erotesis is a rhetorical question used to provoke a strong reaction, either positive or negative. You can use Erotesis to challenge the recipient of the question or to emphasize a specific point. Examples of erotesis include:
- Do you support child labor?
- Are you okay with animal abuse?
- Do you want the world to end?
How and when to use rhetorical questions
You can use rhetorical questions in many ways to convey your expertise to your audience. Use rhetorical questions to:
- Engage the reader or audience and make them think. For example, when writing or speaking about the importance of self-care, you could ask, “What are some ways you alleviate stress in your life?”
- Get the reader or audience to agree with you. Rhetorical questions are a great persuasion tool. For example, when writing or speaking about the importance of preventing climate change, you could ask, “How can we ignore climate change when global temperatures rise each year?”
- Create an emotional response. For example, if you’re a politician talking about your opponent, you could ask, “When have they ever shown they care about you?”
- Emphasize a point or statement. Asking questions can make your points more powerful. For example, if you are writing about drunk driving, you could make the following statement, “One person dies every 45 minutes each day from drunk driving. How many more people must die if we don’t act now?”
- Ask a question the reader may already be wondering. You can write a question the reader may already be asking internally, then immediately answer it. For example, if you are writing about proper sleep hygiene, you could write, “Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to get to sleep? The answer is simple: you must remove distractions and turn off your phone thirty minutes before you go to bed.”
- Make a smooth transition from one point or paragraph to the next. Rhetorical questions are a great way to make transitions in your writing. For example, if you are writing about the causes of gum disease, you could transition to a new point or paragraph by asking, “Did you know that gum disease is highly preventable? Brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash are easy ways to prevent gum disease.”
Use rhetorical questions as powerful tools enhance your writing and engage with your audience. Now that you’ve explored how and when to use rhetorical questions, are you ready to start using them?
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If you ask a rhetorical question it means you don’t necessarily expect an answer, but you do want an occasion to talk about something.
Rhetoric is the art of written or spoken communication. If you went to school a hundred years ago, your English class would have been called Rhetoric. But nowadays if we say something is rhetorical, we usually mean that it’s only good for talking. If you speak beautifully about carpentry but can’t ever actually build a cabinet, we might say you have lots of rhetorical flare, but very little real skill.
Definitions of rhetorical
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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” -
adjective
given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought
“mere
rhetorical frippery”-
Synonyms:
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figurative, nonliteral
(used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech
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fancy
not plain; decorative or ornamented
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bombastic, declamatory, large, orotund, tumid, turgid
ostentatiously lofty in style
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flowery, ornate
marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
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empurpled, over-embellished, purple
excessively elaborate or showily expressed
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forensic
of, relating to, or used in public debate or argument
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grandiloquent, magniloquent, tall
lofty in style
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oratorical
characteristic of an orator or oratory
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poetic, poetical
characteristic of or befitting poetry
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stylistic
of or relating to style (especially in the use of language)
-
figurative, nonliteral
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Table of Contents
- What does rhetoric mean in simple terms?
- What is an example of rhetoric?
- What are the 3 types of rhetoric?
- What is rhetoric in your own words?
- What is a rhetorical question example?
- Why are rhetorical questions asked?
- What is a rhetorical strategy?
- How do you identify rhetoric?
- Is rhetoric positive or negative?
- How do you use rhetoric in a sentence?
- What are the 4 elements of rhetoric?
- What are the 4 reasons rhetoric is useful?
- What do you talk about in a rhetorical analysis?
- What are the six elements of a rhetorical situation?
- What are the steps to write a rhetorical analysis?
- What are the 8 rhetorical modes?
- What is a rhetorical appeal in writing?
- What is the most powerful rhetorical appeal?
- How do you use rhetoric?
- How does Coca Cola use pathos?
English Language Learners Definition of rhetorical : of, relating to, or concerned with the art of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people.
What does rhetoric mean in simple terms?
1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: such as. a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times. b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion.
What is an example of rhetoric?
Rhetoric is the ancient art of persuasion. It’s a way of presenting and making your views convincing and attractive to your readers or audience. For example, they might say that a politician is “all rhetoric and no substance,” meaning the politician makes good speeches but doesn’t have good ideas.
What are the 3 types of rhetoric?
As defined by Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher (384-322 BC), there are three main types of rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos.
What is rhetoric in your own words?
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion through communication. It is a form of discourse that appeals to people’s emotions and logic in order to motivate or inform. The word “rhetoric” comes from the Greek “rhetorikos,” meaning “oratory.”
What is a rhetorical question example?
A rhetorical question is a question (such as “How could I be so stupid?”) that’s asked merely for effect with no answer expected. The answer may be obvious or immediately provided by the questioner. Also known as erotesis, erotema, interrogatio, questioner, and reversed polarity question (RPQ).
Why are rhetorical questions asked?
Rhetorical questions are a useful technique in persuasive writing. As there is nobody to answer the question, a rhetorical question is usually designed to speak directly to the reader. It allows the reader a moment to pause and think about the question.
What is a rhetorical strategy?
Rhetorical strategies, or devices as they are generally called, are words or word phrases that are used to convey meaning, provoke a response from a listener or reader and to persuade during communication. Rhetorical strategies can be used in writing, in conversation or if you are planning a speech.
How do you identify rhetoric?
AP® English Language: 5 Ways to Identify Rhetorical Devices
- Read Carefully. Reading carefully may seem common sense; however, this is the most crucial strategy in identifying rhetorical devices.
- Know Your Rhetorical Devices.
- Know the Audience.
- Annotate the Text.
- Read the Passage Twice.
- Key Takeaway.
Is rhetoric positive or negative?
Especially in relation to politics, “rhetoric” is used almost exclusively as a negative term. According to Curzan, the historical definition of rhetoric is “the art of using language effectively in order to persuade others.” Rhetoric is viewed today as positive in some circles.
How do you use rhetoric in a sentence?
Rhetoric sentence example
- The audience was impressed by the rhetoric the young girl used in her speech.
- The speaker’s powerful rhetoric amazed nearly all of the audience.
- The rhetoric used in the newspaper article made the readers feel like they were a part of the event.
What are the 4 elements of rhetoric?
The Rhetorical Square consists of four elements that matter when analyzing a text. The four elements are: 1) Purpose, 2) Message, 3) Audience, and 4) Voice.
What are the 4 reasons rhetoric is useful?
Aristotle says that rhetoric is useful because: 1) truth and justice are naturally superior to their opposites so that, if the event of judgements is unseemly, then they must be self-defeating, which merits reproof; 2) it is also useful because, with some audiences, even if we should possess the most precise …
What do you talk about in a rhetorical analysis?
In writing an effective rhetorical analysis, you should discuss the goal or purpose of the piece; the appeals, evidence, and techniques used and why; examples of those appeals, evidence, and techniques; and your explanation of why they did or didn’t work.
What are the six elements of a rhetorical situation?
The rhetorical situation identifies the relationship among the elements of any communication–audience, author (rhetor), purpose, medium, context, and content.
What are the steps to write a rhetorical analysis?
Follow these 6 steps to write a rhetorical analysis that’s clear and insightful.
- Identify the 4 elements of rhetoric. Start your analysis by taking note of the following rhetorical elements:
- Describe the rhetorical appeals.
- Analyze.
- Evaluate.
- State your thesis.
- Organize your ideas and evidence.
What are the 8 rhetorical modes?
Chapter 8: Rhetorical Modes
- 8.1 Narration.
- 8.2 Illustration.
- 8.3 Description.
- 8.4 Classification.
- 8.5 Process Analysis.
- 8.6 Definition.
- 8.7 Comparison and Contrast.
- 8.8 Cause and Effect.
What is a rhetorical appeal in writing?
Rhetorical appeals are methods of persuading someone in an argument, as defined by Aristotle. Artistotle identified three methods: Ethos: The credibility or trustworthiness of the source.
What is the most powerful rhetorical appeal?
logos
How do you use rhetoric?
To use rhetoric you must first:
- Analyse the rhetorical situation you are in – an effective speech is one that responds to its rhetorical situation (context)
- Identify what needs to be communicated.
- Provide a strategic response using rhetorical tools.
How does Coca Cola use pathos?
Pathos refers to the use of emotions in messages to persuade the audience. The emotions that the coca cola ad evokes include joy and merriment. A man is resting in a park amid flowers and trees. the ad shows the bigs having fun and stealing Coca Cola.
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of, relating to, or concerned with the art of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people
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a rhetorical device/style
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of a question
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asked in order to make a statement rather than to get an answer
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“Should we be leaving soon?” “Is that a rhetorical question?” [=is that a question you’re asking as a way to say that we should be leaving soon?]
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My question was rhetorical. I wasn’t really expecting an answer.
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rhetorical
Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > rhetorical
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2
rhetorical
Персональный Сократ > rhetorical
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rhetorical
[rıʹtɒrık(ə)l]
1. риторический
rhetorical effort — речь, построенная по всем правилам ораторского искусства
2. напыщенный, высокопарный
rhetorical prose — высокопарная /цветистая/ проза
НБАРС > rhetorical
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4
rhetorical
Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
1. a риторический
rhetorical effort — речь, построенная по всем правилам ораторского искусства
2. a напыщенный, высокопарный
Синонимический ряд:
1. aureate (adj.) aureate; declamatory; eloquent; euphuistic; florid; flowery; grandiloquent; highfalutin; high-flown; magniloquent; oratorical; orotund; overblown; pompous; purple; sonorous; stilted; swelling; swollen; tumescent; tumid; turgid; verbose
2. bombastic (adj.) bombastic; flamboyant; pretentious
3. elocutionary (adj.) elocutionary; expressive; stylistic
English-Russian base dictionary > rhetorical
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rhetorical
[rɪ’tɔrɪk(ə)l]
прил.
2) напыщенный, высокопарный
Англо-русский современный словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
a
2) напыщенный, высокопарный
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English-russian dctionary of diplomacy > rhetorical
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8
rhetorical
Англо-русский синонимический словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
[rɪˈtɔrɪkəl]
rhetorical риторический
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rhetorical
Универсальный англо-русский словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
[rɪ`tɔrɪk(ə)l]
риторический
Англо-русский большой универсальный переводческий словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
adjective
риторический
* * *
(a) высокопарный; напыщенный; риторический
* * *
* * *
[rhe·tor·i·cal || rɪ’tɑrɪkl,-‘tɔ- /-‘tɒr-]
риторический, высокопарный* * *
* * *
риторический
Новый англо-русский словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
Англо-русский дипломатический словарь > rhetorical
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rhetorical
English-Russian dictionary of technical terms > rhetorical
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rhetorical
English-Russian smart dictionary > rhetorical
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rhetorical predicate
Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > rhetorical predicate
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rhetorical question
Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > rhetorical question
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rhetorical analysis
Универсальный англо-русский словарь > rhetorical analysis
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rhetorical colours
Универсальный англо-русский словарь > rhetorical colours
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rhetorical device
Универсальный англо-русский словарь > rhetorical device
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См. также в других словарях:
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rhetorical — rhetorical, grandiloquent, magniloquent, aureate, flowery, euphuistic, bombastic are comparable when they mean emphasizing style often at the expense of thought. Rhetorical describes a style, discourse, passage, phrase, or word which, however… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
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Rhetorical — Rhe*tor ic*al, a. [L. rhetoricus, Gr. ????. See {Rhetoric}.] Of or pertaining to rhetoric; according to, or exhibiting, rhetoric; oratorical; as, the rhetorical art; a rhetorical treatise; a rhetorical flourish. [1913 Webster] They permit him to… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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rhetorical — (adj.) late 15c., eloquent, from L. rhetoricus (see RHETORIC (Cf. rhetoric)). Meaning pertaining to rhetoric is from 1520s. Rhetorical question is from 1670s. Related: Rhetorically … Etymology dictionary
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rhetorical — index flatulent, inflated (bombastic), orotund, turgid, voluble Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
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rhetorical — [adj] wordy; flowery in speech articulate, aureate, bombastic, declamatory, eloquent, embellished, euphuistic, exaggerated, flamboyant, flashy*, florid, fluent, glib*, grand, grandiloquent, grandiose, high flown, hyperbolic, imposing, inflated,… … New thesaurus
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rhetorical — ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to or concerned with rhetoric. 2) expressed in terms intended to persuade or impress. 3) (of a question) asked for effect or to make a statement rather than to obtain an answer. DERIVATIVES rhetorically adverb … English terms dictionary
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rhetorical — [ri tôr′i kəl] adj. 1. of, having the nature of, or according to rhetoric 2. using or characterized by mere rhetoric, or artificial eloquence; showy and elaborate in style rhetorically adv … English World dictionary
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rhetorical — [[t]rɪtɒ̱rɪk(ə)l, AM tɔ͟ːr [/t]] 1) ADJ: usu ADJ n A rhetorical question is one which is asked in order to make a statement rather than to get an answer. He grimaced slightly, obviously expecting no answer to his rhetorical question… He made no … English dictionary
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rhetorical — also rhetoric adjective Date: 15th century 1. a. of, relating to, or concerned with rhetoric b. employed for rhetorical effect; especially asked merely for effect with no answer expected < a rhetorical question > 2. a. given to rhetoric ;… … New Collegiate Dictionary
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rhetorical — adjective /rɪˈtɒr.ɪ.kəl,rəˈtɒr.ɪ.kəl,rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl,rəˈtɔːrɪkəl/ Part of or similar to rhetoric, which is the use of language as a means to persuade. A rhetorical question, for example, is one used merely to make a point, with no response expected.… … Wiktionary
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rhetorical — rhe|tor|i|cal [rıˈtɔrıkəl US ˈto: , ˈta: ] adj 1.) rhetorical question a question that you ask as a way of making a statement, without expecting an answer 2.) using speech or writing in special ways in order to persuade people or to produce an… … Dictionary of contemporary English