AP Lang Vocabulary Terms 5

Affectionate

showing fondness or love 

Ant: Cold, unfriendly

Ambivalent

having mixed or uncertain feelings about something or someone

Ant: Certain, decisive

Apathetic

showing little to no emotion of interest

Ant: Interested, enthusiatic

Bemused

Slightly confused or amused in a puzzled way

Ant: Clear-headed, focused

Candid

Open, honest, straightforward

Ant: Deceitful, guarded

Critical

pointing out faults or analyzing carefully

Ant: Approving, complimentary

Condesending

talking down to others as if they are less intelligent

Ant: Respectful, humble

Defiant

Boldly rejecting authority or rules

Ant: Obedient, compliant

Detached

Emotionally distant, not influenced by personal feelings

Ant: Involved, connected

Earnest

Serious and sincere in purpose

Ant: Flippant, insincere

Exuberant

Full of energy and excitement

Ant: Depressed, subdued

Facetious

Joking about a serious matter  in a sarcastic or inappropriate way

Ant: Serious, sincere

Foreboding

A feeling that something bad will happen

Ant: Hoping, reassuring

Gracious

Kind, polite, and respectful

Ant: Rude, unkind

Hostile

Openly unfriendly or antagonistic

Ant: Friendly, welcoming

Hyperbolic

Exaggerated or overstated

Ant: Understated, restrained

Incisive

clear, sharp, and direct in thought of expression

Ant: Vague, dull

Incredulous

unwilling or unable to believe something

Ant: Trusting, believing

Ironic

Saying the opposite of what is meant: either for humor or criticism

Ant: Sincere, straightforward

Laudatory

Expressing praise or admiration

Ant: Critical, disapproving

Melancholy

Deeply sad or sorrowful

Ant: Cheerful, Joyful

Mirthful

full of laughter, fun, or amusement

Ant: Sad, gloomy

Mocking

making fun of someone in a cruel or dismissive way

Ant: Respectful, sincere

Nostalgic

longing for the past or remembering it fondly

Ant: Unsympathetic, indifferent

Objective

Based on facts, not influenced by feelings

Ant: Biased, subjective

Optimistic

hopeful, expecting good outcomes.

Ant: Pessimistic, doubtful

Pedantic

overly concerned with small details or rules

Ant: Informal, simple

Pensive

Deeply thoughtful, often in a serious way

Ant: Carefree, thoughtless

Sardonic

darkly mocking or bitterly sarcastic

Ant: Kind, gentle

Solemn

Serious, formal, not cheerful

Ant: Cheerful, lighthearted

Visceral

Powerful, instinctual feelings that cause strong physical reactions.

Ant: rational or intellectual