/'retərɪk; `rɛtərɪk/
n [U]
1 (art of) using language impressively or persuasively, esp in public speaking 修辞; 修辞艺术; 修辞学
*impassioned rhetoric 富有表现力的修辞.
2 (derog 贬) elaborate language which is intended to impress but is often insincere, meaningless or exaggerated 华丽的词藻（常含华而不实之意）; 虚夸的言辞
*the empty rhetoric of politicians 政客们的花言巧语.

n[U]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French;Origin: rethorique, from Latin, from Greek rhetorike, from rhetor 'public speaker', from eirein 'to say, speak']
language that is used to persuade or influence people, especially language that sounds impressive but is not actually sincere or useful
　The speech was dismissed by some people as merely political rhetoric .
rhetoric of
　the rhetoric of socialism
the art of speaking or writing to persuade or influence people