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Figurative vs Rhetoric - What's the difference?

figurative | rhetoric |

As adjectives the difference between figurative and rhetoric

is that figurative is metaphorical or tropical, as opposed to literal; using figures; as of the use of "cats and dogs" in the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" while rhetoric is .

As a noun rhetoric is

the art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.

figurative

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Metaphorical or tropical, as opposed to literal; using figures; as of the use of "cats and dogs" in the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs".
  • * '>citation
  • Metaphorically so called
  • With many figures of speech
  • Emblematic; representative
  • * Hooker
  • This, they will say, was figurative , and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.
  • * J. A. Symonds
  • They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.

    Usage notes

    * Said of language, expression, etc.

    Antonyms

    * literal

    Derived terms

    * figurativeness * figuratively

    rhetoric

    Alternative forms

    * rhetorick (obsolete)

    Adjective

  • Noun

  • The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
  • Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
  • It’s only so much rhetoric .

    Usage notes

    * Adjectives often applied to "rhetoric": political, legal, visual, classical, ancient, violent, empty, inflammatory, hateful, heated, fiery, vitriolic, angry, overheated, extreme.

    Synonyms

    * (l)

    Derived terms

    * rhetorical * rhetorician

    See also

    * preterition *

    Anagrams

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