How to pronounce rhetorical
Say it like rih-TOR-ih-kul. Rhetorical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rhetorical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- TOR
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rhetorical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rhetorical
American and British speakers say rhetorical in essentially the same way: /rɪˈtɔrɪkəl/ in the US and /rɪˈtɒrɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-TOR-ih-kul.
What does rhetorical mean?
- Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade.
- Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument.
- Asked for dramatic or persuasive effect, rather than to get an answer.“'"Are you an idiot? Actually, don't answer that, it was rhetorical."”
- A study or exercise in rhetoric.
Words that rhyme with rhetorical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rhetorical.
Questions about saying rhetorical
How do you pronounce rhetorical?
Say rih-TOR-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈtɔrɪkəl/. In British English it is /rɪˈtɒrɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rhetorical?
Rhetorical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOR). Broken into parts: rih · TOR · ih · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say rhetorical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈtɔrɪkəl/ and the British form is /rɪˈtɒrɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.