Tone/Style Words AP Lang

Bombastic

over the top, exaggerated

Colloquial

informal language that is common in everyday speech rather than formal writing

Connotative

a way of writing or speaking that uses words carrying emotional, cultural, or implied meanings beyond their strict dictionary definitions.

Esoteric

Intended for a niche audience

Grotesque

ugly or disorder

Homespun

made at home

Idiomatic

a way of writing or speaking that sounds natural, fluent, and characteristic of a specific language or group.

Insipid

Lacking flavor, dull

Jargon

Specific language

Obtuse

slow to understand

Pedantic

Overly scholarly or common

Provincial

Lacking refinement

Pretentious

trying too hard to seem deep or smart with having substance

Sardonic

a biting sense of humor, darkly humorous

Sensuous

Appeals to the physical senses

Caustic

Intentionally sarcastic harsh or aggressive speech

Trite

Unoriginal, overused or dull

Amiable

friendly, pleasant, good-natured

Elated

Very happy

Fanciful

From the imagination

Jovial/Jubilant

Great joy

Reverent

holding with high regard, worshipping

Audacious

bold in a risky way

Belligerent

Assertive or combative

Brash

Without regard, over confident, rude

Choleric

Hot tempered

Condemnatory

Looking down upon and dismissing

Facetious

Jokingly inappropriate

Haughty

Feeling superiority

Indignant

Showing anger at something unjust

Inflammatory

Causing anger or strong emotional conflict

Quarrelsome

Creating conflict or disagreement over small matters

Surly

Menacing in appearance

Testy

On edge or quick to anger

Droll

amusing in an odd/ dry humor way

Cynical

Distrusting of others motives; believing and finding the worst in people

Flippant

Lacking respect/disregard

Insolent

Rude, disrespectful

Pompous

Arrogant

Quizzical

In a manner that is trying to gain information

Ribald

Crude or vulgar in a humorous way

Whimsical/Capricious

Fanciful or wild

Wry

Cleverly and often ironically

Foreboding

Ominous or threatening of future conflict

Morose

sullen, gloomy

Poginant

Evoking a feeling of great sadness or emotional impact

Staid

Somber, grave, or serious

Admonitory

Scolding to correct behavior

Callous

Having a cruel disregard for others; cold

Allusive

Indirectly using references to suggest a larger idea without stating it directly

Consoling

Comforting or reassuring

Didactic

Intended to teach a moral lesson

Fervent

With great passion

Forthright

Clear and direct without avoiding the point

Frivolous

Acting carefree or foolish

Histrionic

overly dramatic, theatrical, or insincerely emotional

Obsequious

Trying too hard to please

Vexed

Irritated, annoyed, or worried

Wistful

A deep melancholic longing for something in the past or something unattainable

Zealous

Showing intense passion for a cause, goal, or person