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

1. a person who delivers a speech or oration