1. Relating to rhetoric: This refers to the art of effective communication, especially in speech or writing. It involves using language to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience. Some examples include:
* Rhetorical devices: These are specific techniques used in rhetoric to achieve a particular effect, such as metaphors, similes, and repetition.
* Rhetorical analysis: This involves breaking down a piece of writing or speech to understand its rhetorical strategies and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
* Rhetorical question: A question asked for effect, not to elicit an answer. For example, "Are you kidding me?"
2. Used for effect: This is a more informal usage where "rhetorical" means something is said or done to emphasize a point, even if it's not meant to be taken literally.
* "That's a rhetorical question, of course you know the answer." This means the speaker isn't expecting a response, they're just trying to make a point.
* "Why would I do that? Rhetorical question." The speaker is emphasizing that the answer is obvious.
So, the meaning of "rhetorical" depends on the context. It can refer to the study of communication, or it can be used to indicate something is said for effect.