rhetorical question
noun
a question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion and not to elicit a reply, as “What is so rare as a day in June?”
Origin of rhetorical question
First recorded in 1835–45
Words nearby rhetorical question
rhetian,
rhetic,
rhetor,
rhetoric,
rhetorical,
rhetorical question,
rhetorical stress,
rhetorician,
rheum,
rheumatalgia,
rheumatic
British Dictionary definitions for rhetorical question
rhetorical question
noun
a question to which no answer is required: used esp for dramatic effect. An example is Who knows? (with the implication Nobody knows)
Cultural definitions for rhetorical question
rhetorical question
A question posed without expectation of an answer but merely as a way of making a point: “You don't expect me to go along with that crazy scheme, do you?”
Idioms and Phrases with rhetorical question
rhetorical question
A question asked without expecting an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect. The expected answer is usually “yes” or “no.” For example, Can we improve the quality of our work? That's a rhetorical question. [Late 1800s]