rhetorical language
- noun
- /rɪˈtɔrɪkəl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
- By employing rhetorical language, the author effectively captivated readers and conveyed her message.
Examples
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In her speech, she used rhetorical language to inspire her audience to take action against climate change.
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The challenges of using rhetorical language and evidence are addressed, and questions are asked about the future directions for music education advocacy.
Academic text (2013) -
The politician's use of rhetorical language aimed to persuade citizens to support the new policy.
Synonyms
The art of using language to persuade people when speaking or writing
Words used to persuade people about government or policies
Speech or writing that strongly convinces and moves people
Antonyms
How Persuasive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The adjective 'rhetorical' directly modifies 'language' and its meaning ('aimed at persuasion or effect') composes straightforwardly with 'language' to yield 'language intended to persuade or influence others'. This simple adjective+noun composition is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily derive the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Rhetorical language comes from the world of ancient Greek public speakers who taught how to use style and strong words to move a crowd. The part rhetorical points to the speaker's style and language to the words, so together it means using words to 'persuade' or 'influence' others.