Rhetorical

Rhetorical is an adjective relating to rhetoric, the art and study of persuasive communication in speech and writing. It describes techniques, strategies, and styles used to influence an audience. The term derives from Latin rhetoricus, from Greek rhetorikos, meaning “of a lecturer” or “orator.”

Rhetorical theory traces back to ancient Greece and Rome. Aristotle identified three modes of persuasion—ethos (character), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (reason). Later scholars such as Cicero and Quintilian expanded on audience control, arrangement, and stylistic choices. In modern practice, the concept of the rhetorical situation describes how a speaker or writer responds to exigence, audience expectations, and constraints presented by context.

Rhetorical devices include metaphor, simile, anaphora, parallelism, antithesis, hyperbole, and rhetorical questions—questions posed not to seek information but to provoke reflection or highlight a point. The term “rhetorical” can also refer to ornate or high-flown style, or to elements intended to persuade rather than to convey literal facts. In rhetoric, the aim is to craft messages that are coherent, engaging, and credible; however, it can be misused for manipulation or propaganda when emphasis on persuasion overrides accuracy and ethical considerations.