rhetorically
gb/ɹətˈɔɹɪkli/ us/ɹətˈɔɹɪkli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in a persuasive speaking style
using persuasive language to create an effect
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks/writes/argues [something] rhetorically
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse rhetorically (adverb) with rhetorical (adjective), and don’t use it when you simply mean ‘hypothetically’.
Synonyms
persuasively (Focuses on convincing the audience, not on technique or style.)
|
eloquently (Emphasizes fluent, beautiful expression rather than argumentative strategy.)
|
artfully (Stresses skillful crafting, often without stating the persuasive goal directly.)
Antonyms
plainly (Without stylistic flourish or rhetorical technique.)
|
literally (Focused on the exact, factual meaning rather than persuasive effect.)
Collocations
rhetorically effective
|rhetorically powerful
|rhetorically strong
|rhetorically appealing
|rhetorically skillful
|rhetorically astute
|rhetorically framed
|rhetorically charged
|rhetorically constructed
|rhetorically persuasive
Themes
communication
|writing
|debate
|politics
|education
Examples
- The candidate spoke rhetorically, using repetition to build momentum in the crowd.
- She framed the issue rhetorically as a choice between freedom and control.
- The essay is rhetorically effective even when the evidence is thin.
Learner examples
- He answered rhetorically to persuade people.
- The speech was rhetorically powerful.
adverb
C1
property
2
as a question needing no answer
as a question that doesn’t need an answer
Usage pattern:
[someone] asks [a question] rhetorically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use rhetorically to mean ‘dramatically’ or ‘emotionally’; it specifically refers to the purpose of the question.
Synonyms
pointedly (Suggests a sharp intention, but doesn’t necessarily imply ‘no answer expected’.)
|
for effect (General phrase; less specific about being a question.)
Antonyms
genuinely (Asked with a real request for information.)
|
sincerely (Asked with honest intent to receive an answer.)
Collocations
ask rhetorically
|pose rhetorically
|say rhetorically
|demand rhetorically
|wonder rhetorically
|reply rhetorically
|rhetorically ask
|rhetorically posed question
Themes
communication
|conversation
|debate
Examples
- ‘Do you really think that’s a good idea?’ she asked rhetorically.
- He paused and then asked rhetorically whether anyone truly believed the promise.
- She raised her eyebrows and wondered rhetorically what else could go wrong.
Learner examples
- I asked rhetorically, so I did not want an answer.
Grammar
Dictionary form
rhetorically
IPA
GB/ɹətˈɔɹɪkli/
US/ɹətˈɔɹɪkli/
Syllables & stress
rhet - or - ic - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: rhetorically
- Plural: rhetoricallies
Expressions
ask (a question) rhetorically
1/ˈæsk ə kwˈɛst͡ʃən ɹətˈɔɹɪkli/
fixed phrase
ask without expecting an answer
to ask a question just to make a point
Examples
- He asked, rhetorically, whether anyone could ignore the evidence.
- She asked the question rhetorically to signal that the decision was obvious.
- The coach asked rhetorically, ‘Who wants to win?’ and the team shouted back anyway.
rhetorically speaking
1/ɹətˈɔɹɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
from a rhetorical viewpoint
used to mean ‘in terms of persuasive language’
Examples
- Rhetorically speaking, the slogan works because it’s short and memorable.
- Rhetorically speaking, he positioned himself as an outsider to gain trust.
- Rhetorically speaking, the question is designed to corner the opponent.