Tone Words 18-34

AP Lit Practice

Frivolous

Lacking in seriousness or importance; care-free and superficial

Grandoise

Impressive or extravagant in style or appearance; often exaggerated

Hostile

Unfriendly and antagonistic; showing opposition or resistance

Iconoclastic

Characterized by a rejection of established beliefs or institutions; often promoting radical or unconventional ideas

Impartial

Free from bias or favoritism; treating all sides equally

Indignant

Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment

Insipid

Lacking flavor or vigor; dull and uninspiring

Irreverent

Showing a lack of respect for things that are usually taken seriously; often humorous or mocking

Laconic

Using very few words to express a message, often to the point of seeming blunt, mysterious, or rude

Laudatory

Expressing strong praise, admiration, or approval for someone or something

Maternal/Paternal

Having qualities associated with a caring mother/father

Moralistic

Emphasizing what is right and wrong, other in a strong way that strongly judges people’s behavior

Nostalgic

Having a strong longing for experiences of the distant past

Obsequious

Being too eager to please someone with more authority or power

Ostentatious

Very flashy, expensive, or noticeable in a way that is meant to show off wealth, success, or importance

Patronizing

Speaking to or treating someone as though they are less intelligent, capable, or knowledgeable than you are

Pedantic

Being too focused on minor details and rules, especially when not important