Rhetoric
/ˈrɛt.ər.ɪk/noun
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, rhetoric was considered a vital skill, often linked to politics and public life, akin to wielding magical power over an audience.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer-
“to speak, to say”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥητορική (rhētorikē)
“the art of speaking or discourse”
Late Latin
Latin
rhetorica
“the art of rhetoric”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
rhetorica
“the study of rhetoric”
14th Century
Middle English
rhetorik
“art of persuasion in speech or writing”
Modern English
English
rhetoric
“the study or art of using language effectively and persuasively”
Explore more surprising origins