What is a rhetorical question?

Question

Please don't look up "rhetorical" in the dictionary because dictionaries confuse me =)

Answer 1

It's a literary device used for EMPHASIS. It doesn't really require an answer. It's a way of making a point. It is meant to make people think and ponder on a certain topic or idea.

Some rhetorical questions become idiomatic English expressions:

* "What's the matter with you?"
* "Don't you know any better?"
* "Have you no shame?"
* "Is the Pope Catholic?" and "Do bears **** in the woods?"
* "Do fish swim?"
* "Are you crazy?"
* "Who cares?"
* "How should I know?"
* "Are you kidding me?"
* "Do you expect me to do it for you?"
* "Do pigs fly?"
* "What's up?"
* "How do you like them apples?"

Answer 2

As stated above by other answerers, it is a question to which you do not expect an answer.

Examples:
There's so much trouble in the world. But what can you do?

What can I say?

Who could blame him?

Who cares?
.

Answer 3

A rhetorical question can also be viewed as a question that is not necessary applied. Meaning, it's a question asked about something that hasn't happened yet. "If we were going out, (insert question)" or "If I did this for you, (insert question)" - It's pretty much like a hypothesis, except it's a question - Instead of an "If, then" statement, it's an "If, (question)" statement.

Answer 4

a rhetorical question is a question that is asked, but an answer in not expected in return. it is used to make you think, and should not be answered aloud. i hope this helps! =)

Answer 5

It's a question that confuses people! So how did you make it THIS FAR?? LOL

It's a question that is rhetorical.

Answer 6

it is a question that requires no answer.