rɪˈtɔrɪkəl adj. 1 expressed
with a
view to
persuasive or
impressive effect;
artificial or
extravagant in
language. 2 of
the nature of
rhetoric. 3 a of or relating to the art of rhetoric. b
given to rhetoric; oratorical. ørhetorical
question a question asked
not for information but to
produce an effect, e.g.
who cares? for
nobody cares. øørhetorically adv. [ME f. L rhetoricus f. Gk rhetorikos (as RHETOR)]