rhetorical question
Definition of rhetorical question
: a question not intended to require an answer
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rhetorical Language vs. rhetorical questions
Rhetorical has several meanings which are close enough in meaning that they may easily cause confusion. It can refer to the subject of rhetoric ("the art of speaking or writing effectively") in a broad sense, and may also refer to that same subject in a somewhat deprecatory sense ("given to insincere or grandiloquent language"). But perhaps the most common use of rhetorical today is found in conjunction with question. A rhetorical question is not a question about the art of speaking effectively; it is a question that is asked for effect, rather than from a desire to know the answer. “Would it kill you to stop chewing your food with your mouth open?” is a rhetorical question.
Word by Word Definitions
: of, relating to, or concerned with rhetoric
: employed for rhetorical effect
: asked merely for effect with no answer expected
: an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge
: an interrogative sentence or clause
: a subject or aspect in dispute or open for discussion : issue
: to ask a question of or about
: to interrogate intensively : cross-examine
: doubt, dispute
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