AP Lit Midterm Tone Words

tone words from the study guide

commanding

giving an authoritative order; dominant or direct

meditative

involved or absorbed in meditation or considered thought; pensive and contemplative; studious and introspective

speculative

engaged in or based on guessing rather than knowledge; hypothetical and tentative

understated

presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way; downplayed or underrated

benevolent

kind and with positive intentions; warmhearted; good-natured; thoughtful

celebratory

acknowledging a significant or happy day or event; feeling or expressing happiness and pride

complimentary

praising or approving; flattering; congratulatory; given freely

conciliatory

intended or likely to appease or satisfy; gain goodwill without hostility

elated

 ecstatically happy; thrilled and exhilarated

flippant

not showing a serious or respectful attitude; rude and glib

acerbic

sharp and forthright; sour or bitter

blunt

uncompromisingly forthright; straightforward; direct; candid; brusque; gruff

despairing

showing or feeling the loss of all hope

fatalistic

 relating to or characteristic of the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable; lacking control of events

indifferent

having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned; mediocre/neither good or bad

patronizing

apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending

somber

dark or dull in mood; gloomy

wry

using or expressing mocking or humor; disgust or annoyance

wistful

having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing; nostalgic; mournful

zealous

showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective; fervent and devout