what does this phrase mean?
2007-01-25 09:58:39 · 9 answers · asked by bebackhome_safe 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
A rhetorical question means that it's not supposed to be answered. For example... Am I an idiot?
2007-01-25 10:04:12 · answer #1 · answered by purplepower_711 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When someone asks a "rhetorical question" the term means that the answer is already obvious--the question was only "asked" for effect--like if a football coach, in the mdst of a pep talk to his team, asked "Do you want to win?"
2007-01-25 18:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aren't all questions, in a sense, rhetorical?
And what if there were no hypothetical questions?
2007-01-25 18:09:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Rhetorical" questions are those that are posed with no requirement for an answer. They are usually asked of an audience for effect, not an answer. The questioner is also the answerer, ie; "Who will lead this country? " "I will lead it... "
2007-01-25 18:06:00 · answer #4 · answered by OilCityBug 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
See the first four answers and add that sometimes they are useful tools for teaching someone yo thinl through a situation about which they have already formed conclusions.
2007-01-25 18:09:06 · answer #5 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A rhetorical question doesn't require an answer, it is meant to be one you answer yourself in your mind.
2007-01-25 18:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by infobrokernate 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Mommy, Why is this lady asking such a dumb question?
2007-01-25 18:13:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that they don't really want you to answer them, just to think about them.
2007-01-25 18:06:18 · answer #8 · answered by the bag lady 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the questions are loud and confused and empty talk.
2007-01-25 18:13:21 · answer #9 · answered by egg_zaktly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋