rhetorically C2 Topic:Describing Qualities US /rəˈtɔrɪkli/ See IPA manual 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 AI details From Middle English retorycally; equivalent to rhetorical + -ly. retorycally Middle English View etymology graph -> Topics Describing Qualities Language & Linguistics Word Formation & Derivatives External links Google Images Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary # 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 - Describing Qualities - Language & Linguistics - Word Formation & Derivatives markdown