[ 'rɛtərɪk ]
■ noun the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
↘language with a persuasive or impressive effect, but often lacking sincerity or meaningful content.
Origin
ME: from OFr. rethorique , via L. from Gk rhētorikē (tekhnē) '(art) of ~', from rhētōr 'rhetor'.