Retooriliselt

Retooriliselt is the Estonian adverb meaning “in a rhetorical manner” or “rhetorically.” It is formed from the adjective retooriline (rhetorical) with the adverbial suffix -lt. The term is used to describe the manner in which something is said or written to achieve persuasion, emphasis, or stylistic effect, rather than to convey literal factual content.

In linguistic and literary analysis, retooriliselt is often employed to indicate that a statement, question, or argument is presented primarily for its rhetorical impact. It is common in discussions of speeches, political discourse, journalism, and opinion writing. Typical contexts include phrases such as ta vastas retooriliselt or retooriliselt esitatud küsimus, where the emphasis is on delivery or persuasive technique rather than on substantive truth.

Usage and nuance: retooriliselt signals a focus on craft, cadence, and audience manipulation possibilities. It can carry evaluative connotations, suggesting that form outweighs or obscures substance. While broadly descriptive, it is frequently used in evaluative writing to critique or analyze how language aims to influence listeners or readers.

Etymology and relation: the word derives from retooriline (rhetorical), itself from the field of rhetoric (retoorika), with roots in Greek rhētōrikḗ via European linguistic traditions. Related terms include retoorika (rhetoric) and retooriline küsimus (a rhetorical question).

See also: rhetoric, rhetorical figure, rhetorical question, stylistic analysis.