rhetorician
/,retə'riʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who delivers a speech or oration: A rhetorician is someone skilled in the art of public speaking or formal oratory. 2. A person skilled in the art of rhetoric: A rhetorician is an expert in the principles and techniques of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Usage
The term "rhetorician" is used to describe someone who is not just a speaker, but a master of the craft of speech. It often implies a deep understanding of rhetorical devices, structure, and strategy. It can be used in both historical and contemporary contexts, sometimes with a neutral or academic tone, and sometimes with a slightly critical tone implying excessive or artificial eloquence.
Examples
- The ancient Greek rhetorician Aristotle wrote extensively on the art of persuasion.
- She was known as a brilliant rhetorician, capable of swaying public opinion with her powerful speeches.
- His critics dismissed him as a mere rhetorician, more concerned with style than with substance.
Advanced Usage
- As a descriptor of style: The term can be used adjectivally to describe a style that is characteristic of a skilled speaker.
- The senator's rhetorician skills were on full display during the debate.
- In a critical sense: It can imply that the speaker's eloquence is used to obscure a lack of real content or truth.
- He was more of a clever rhetorician than a sincere leader.
Variants and Related Words
- Rhetoric (n): The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
- Rhetorical (adj): Relating to or concerned with the art of rhetoric. (e.g., a rhetorical question).
- Orator (n): A public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled. (This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "rhetorician").
Synonyms
- Orator: A person who delivers a formal speech.
- Speaker: A more general term for someone who speaks.
- Eloquent speaker: Emphasizes the fluency and persuasiveness of the speech.
Related Phrases
- Master rhetorician: Emphasizes exceptional skill and expertise in rhetoric.
- Cicero is considered a master rhetorician of the Roman era.
Noun
- a person who delivers a speech or oration