rhetorically

C2 Topic:Communication

US /rəˈtɔrɪkli/ See IPA manual

adv Freq #103573

Meanings

1

adv
In a way that asks a question without expecting an answer.

"What can we do?" she asked rhetorically, knowing nothing could be changed.
2

adv
In a way relating to persuasive or stylish use of language.

The speech was rhetorically brilliant but offered no real solutions.

Etymology

From Middle English retorycally; equivalent to rhetorical + -ly.

retorycally Middle English

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Communication Word Formation & Derivatives

# rhetorically

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** adv
**IPA (US):** rəˈtɔrɪkli
**Frequency rank:** 103573

## Meanings
1. In a way that asks a question without expecting an answer.
2. In a way relating to persuasive or stylish use of language.

## Examples
- "What can we do?" she asked rhetorically, knowing nothing could be changed.
- The speech was rhetorically brilliant but offered no real solutions.

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: retorycally

## Etymology
From Middle English retorycally; equivalent to rhetorical + -ly.

## AI Etymology
Rhetorically is from Middle English retorycally; equivalent to rhetorical + -ly. The analysis is mainly morphological: the modern adverbial form is built from the named base and affix. Important recorded forms include retorycally (Middle English). Current senses include in a way that asks a question without expecting an answer and in a way relating to persuasive or stylish use of language.

## Topics
- Communication
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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rhetorically

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