Tone Vocabulary and Generalizations in Literature

A set of flashcards reviewing tone vocabulary and general literary concepts.

Tone - Verbal stance

The verbal stance an author holds toward characters, events, or situations, reflected in their 'voice.' (Tone can vary based on the term's connotation.)

Satiric

Sarcastic; bitter; or cutting, often in a playful manner. (Tone: critical but humorous.)

Whimsical

Unpredictable; impulsive; having a playful quality. (Tone: lighthearted and fanciful.)

Objective

Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts; unbiased. (Tone: neutral and factual.)

Cynical

Pessimistic; bitter; a skeptic of human motives. (Tone: disdainful and critical.)

Somber

Very serious; grave; gloomy; depressing. (Tone: serious and heavy.)

Flippant

Frivolously disrespectful; shallow; lacking in seriousness. (Tone: dismissive and irreverent.)

Pedantic

Overly concerned with minute details; very formal. (Tone: overly serious and meticulous.)

Indignant

Expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust or offensive. (Tone: righteous and passionate.)

Compassionate

Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. (Tone: warm and empathetic.)

Mock-heroic

Imitating a heroic style in a sarcastic manner, treating trivial subjects in a ceremonious way. (Tone: mocking and exaggerated.)

Mock-serious

Pretending to be serious in a humorous way. (Tone: playful yet earnest.)

Effusive

Lacking reserve; unrestrained; overly expressive. (Tone: enthusiastic and emotional.)

Benevolent

Expressing goodwill or kindly feelings. (Tone: kind and generous.)

Contemptuous

Scornful; sneering; arrogant. (Tone: disdainful and condescending.)

Taunting

Sarcastic; mocking; teasing or insulting. (Tone: confrontational and derisive.)

Dramatic

Theatrical; startling; highly effective. (Tone: intense and striking.)

Insipid

Dull; uninteresting; lacking excitement. (Tone: uninspired and bland.)

Contentious

Argumentative; causing controversy. (Tone: combative and provocative.)

Innocent

Not guilty; free from wrongdoing. (Tone: pure and unassuming.)