rhetorical question
rhetorical question
A question that is not intended to produce some enlightening answer, but rather already has an obvious answer so as to make or emphasize some point. Please do not ask rhetorical questions during this press briefing. Does a record surge in sales and stock prices suggest a failing company to you? That's a rhetorical question, Tom—of course it doesn't.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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