rhetorical question

IPA/rɪˌtɒr.ɪ.kəl ˈkwes.tʃən/
IPA/rɪˌtɔːr.ɪ.kəl ˈkwes.tʃən/

rhetorical question — noun

1. a question someone asks to stress a point or feeling, not to get a real answer

1.名詞B2
釋義

a question someone asks to stress a point or feeling, not to get a real answer

例句

Dad's "Who leaves wet towels on the sofa?" was a rhetorical question.

question form used to criticize, not to get an answer

The coach asked a rhetorical question to show how foolish the plan sounded.

ask a rhetorical question to make a point

同義詞
  • remark

    is broader and does not have to be in question form

  • leading question

    still expects an answer but pushes the listener toward one response

  • loaded question

    contains an unfair assumption and can trap the listener

反義詞

文法句型

a rhetorical question

ask a rhetorical question

use a rhetorical question to + verb

用法筆記

A rhetorical question is often stronger than a plain statement and is common in speeches, arguments, and moments of annoyance. The speaker may pause after it, but no real reply is expected.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor asked a rhetorical question about my fever, so I answered it.
✅The doctor asked an ordinary question about my fever, so I answered it.
💡If the speaker truly wants information, it is not a rhetorical question.
❌The teacher's rhetorical question needed a quick answer from the class.
✅The teacher's direct question needed a quick answer from the class.
💡A rhetorical question is used for effect and is not meant to be answered.