Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rhetorical question

noun
/ˈrɛtɪkərəl ˈkwɛstʃən/
Definition
A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point rather than to elicit an answer.
Examples
  • “Isn’t it a bit late to be asking that?”
  • “Who doesn’t love a good story?”
  • “Are we really going to just stand by and let this happen?”
Meaning
It is often used in conversation or writing to provoke thought or to emphasize a point, without expecting a direct response.
Synonyms
  • leading question
  • loaded question
  • implied question