definition of
rhetoric

[1] #1 rhetoric n. using language effectively to please or persuade. wn

[2] #2 rhetoric n. [grandiosity, magniloquence, ornateness, grandiloquence] high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation; "the grandiosity of his prose"; "an excessive ornateness of language". wn

[3] #3 rhetoric n. [palaver, hot air, empty words, empty talk] loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric". wn

[4] #4 rhetoric n. study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking). wn