[Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/rhetorical.html)

[home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/) / [The school dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/) / rhetorical

[← R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/R/)

# rhetorical

«rhetorical» in Mova's school dictionary: **a question asked to make a point or for effect, not to…** — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples, with 2 sentences of Mova's corpora that use it.

### part of speech

adjective (rhetorical; adverb rhetorically); noun (rhetoric, uncountable)

### meaning for a pupil

1) A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point or for effect, not to get an answer: «Who wants to live in a world without trees?» [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#m1)

2) (formal) Rhetorical means to do with the art of speaking or writing in a way that persuades or impresses people. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#m2)

### sense in the lessons

In English lessons on persuasive writing and speeches, rhetorical questions make the reader think and agree: «Isn't it time we did something?» Pupils find and use them alongside the rule of three and repetition. In everyday life, «Do you know what time it is?» from a cross parent can be rhetorical — no answer needed. In the formal voice, «rhetoric» can mean fancy speech that may hide a lack of real action. Phrases: «rhetorical question», «rhetorical device», «empty rhetoric».

### examples

- "Who would want to drop litter in such a beautiful park?" is a rhetorical question. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x1)
- Add a rhetorical question to your persuasive letter. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x2)
- "Do you think I'm made of money?" Dad asked — it was rhetorical. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x3)
- The speaker used rhetorical tricks to excite the crowd. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x4)
- Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question! [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x5)
- Is the sky blue? That's rhetorical — of course it is. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/#x6)

### note

Say it "ri-TOR-i-kal". A rhetorical question still ends with a question mark. Noun: «rhetoric» (RET-or-ik). Answering a rhetorical question from an angry adult can sound cheeky.

### In the corpora

- [Persuasive techniques include reasons in order, strong words, exaggeration and rhetorical questions.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/school/english/24-persuasive-letters-newspaper-articles-and-diaries/16/)
- [A rhetorical question is asked for effect and doesn't expect an answer, like «Surely you agree?»](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/school/english/24-persuasive-letters-newspaper-articles-and-diaries/17/)

### Trees and pragmatics

[Every meaning and example of «rhetorical» parsed by Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rhetorical/), each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.