AP Lang Tone Vocab (A&B)

abashed

uncomfortable, embarrassed, or ashamed

accusatory

a tone that accuses, declaring fault or blame

admonishing

intended to tell someone they have done something wrong

aloof

distant, disinterested, detached; unattached or uncaring

ambivalent

having mixed or contradicting feelings

antagonistic

hostile, opposing, unfriendly, acting against

apathetic

indifferent, showing little emotion, uncaring, unenthusiastic, uninterested

apprehensive

fearful or uneasy that something might happen

ardent

characterized by intense, passionate feeling

authoritative

possessing recognizable authority and confidence; clearly accurate and knowledgeable

baffled

perplexed, confused, puzzled

bantering

good-humored and friendly teasing

belligerent

hostile, aggressive, warlike

bemused

slightly confused; puzzled

benevolent

well-meaning, generous, kindly

biting

cutting, sarcastic, overly critical

brusque

abrupt or offhand, curt, ungracious, harsh

callous

showing insensitive and cruel disregard for others

candid

honest, frank, direct, sincere

cheeky

mischievous, irrelevant, rude, but typically in a good-humored or harmless way

clinical

formal, neutral, and non emotive. often used in scientific or medical findings

colloquial

a casual, informal way of writing that includes local/generational slang and idioms. A colloquial tone is conversational and relaxed

Compelling

persuasive and impressive; a tone that makes you want to keep reading on

Complacent

overly satisfied or content; “complacent” describes someone who is satisfied with themselves or with a situation when they shouldn’t be

Conciliatory

a tone meant to defuse a situation or gain goodwill

Condescending

talking down to someone as if you are smarter than them

contemplative

thinking and reflecting deeply, usually in a serious, calm way

Contented

happy, satisfied, at ease/ at peace (think of it as a positive connotation of complacent)

Contentious

causing or involving an argument, usually by taking on a controversial issue without any attempts to soften what one is saying

cynical

having a negative, skeptical attitude, or, saying something intentionally misleading while giving the appearance of being honest

derogatory

having a critical, disparaging attitude; derogatory tone shows deliberate disrespect

diffident

modest or shy due to a lack of self confidence

Disdainful

Scornful, contemptuous, harsh, mocking, sneering; showing a lack of concern for those perceived as “unworthy”

Dismissive

Showing that you don’t believe a person or thing is worth considering

Droll

Humorous, whimsical, and a bit odd or unexpected; droll tone is usually funny in a dry, deadpan way

Dubious

When used to describe tone, dubious means “doubting”, being skeptical.

Earnest

Showing sincere and intense conviction

Effusive

Expressive gratitude or approval in an unrestrained and heartfelt manner

Egocentric

Self centered, without regard for the feelings of others, full of oneself

elegiac

mournful or sad, especially about someone who has passed away or about something that exists in the past

empathetic

showing the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

enigmatic

referring to a particular tone of voice or manner of speaking that is mysterious, difficult to interpret, or even seemingly deceptive

equivocal

ambiguous, open to more than one interpretation; usually intended to confuse or mislead

erudite

showing great knowledge or learning

evasive

tends to be when someone is trying to avoid something like answering a question

exuberant

filled with lively energy or excitement

facetious

treating serious issues with deliberately inappopriate humor; flippant, sarcastic

farcical

absurd, ludicrous, silly

flippant

used to describe someone speaking in an overly nonchalant manner or lighthearted manner

frank

a tone that is direct and honest; not necessarily mean but it doesn’t spare the feelings of the listener either

frivolous

a tone that is light hearted and concerned with unimportant details

furtive

describes a tone that is secretive or fearful, as if someone is confessing something or afraid of being found out

grim

a tone that is dark and serious. It conveys feelings of unease or foreboding

grave

serious, solemn, or earnest

grand

a tone that means the language is quite ornate, fitting the subject matter

hostile

aggressive, antagonistic

impartial

a tone that states the facts without offering an opinion or perspective on those facts

impetuous

acting quickly, without considering the results of ones actions; impulsive

impassioned

filled with great emotion, passion, or conviction

indignant

tone that expresses anger at an injustice, whether the injustice is real or imagined

incisive

tone that is characterized by keen perception, sharp insight, and a direct, insightful approach. This tone is often unafraid to be critical.

incredulous

this tone reflects disbelief or astonishment

ingratiating

this tone is characterized by an effort to win favor or approval, often through flattery or excessive politeness

inflammatory

this tone is characterized by language that provokes anger, resentment, or strong emotional reactions. often involves the use of provocative or offensive language.

inquisitive

this tone is characterized by curiosity and a desire to seek information or understanding

irreverent

this tone is characterized by a lack of respect, often conveyed through humor, sarcasm, or a casual disregard for conventions

ironic

this tone is sarcastic, saying one thing and meaning the opposite

jocular

a tone that is joking or sarcastic

jovial

a tone that is cheerful and friendly

laudatory

a tone that is full of praise and admiration for someone or soemthing

lamenting

speaking with sadness, regret, or disappointment

learned

a tone that is authoritative and intellectual

lofty

a tone that refers to a writing style or speaking manner that is grand, elevated, or high sounding. It conveys a sense of dignity, seriousness, and intellectual depth

matter of fact

a tone that refers to a way of speaking or writing that is neutral and unemotional. Presenting information in a straightforward manner without displaying much enthusiasm, anger, surprise, or other emotions.

meditative

a tone that refers to a style of writing or speaking that is reflective, thoughtful, and contemplative. It evokes a sense of calmness and introspection, encouraging the reader or listener to delve deep into their own thoughts and emotions.

melancholy

a style of writing or speaking that conveys a deep sense of sadness, gloominess, and introspection. It’s characterized by a thoughtful and pensive state of mind, often reflecting on the sorrows and complexities of life.

mellow

a tone that refers to a soft, gentle, and relaxed style of speaking or writing. It conveys a sense of warmth and tranquility, often associated with pleasant and soothing experiences.

mirthful

full of joy, cheerfulness, or good humor/ arousing or provoking laughter

morose

sullen, gloomy, bad- tempered, or pessimistic

mournful

expressing sadness, usually due to a loss

nonchalant

calm and unconcerned, almost to a point of seeming indifferent or apathetic

nostalgic

a bittersweet, tender, or sentimental feeling toward the past

nuanced

considers the subtle differences and complexities when looking at an issue. Not black and white

objective

factual and unbiased

obsequious

excessively eager to please, in a servile or fawning way, sometimes with a hidden agenda

ominous

tone that suggests upcoming danger or misfortune

optimistic

hopeful and confident about the future, expecting the best outcome

patronizing

refers to the act of treating someone with a condescending or superior attitude, often by speaking or behaving in a way that suggests the person being addressed is less capable, intelligent, or knowledgable

pedantic

refers to an excessive concern with formal rules, trivial details, or academic knowledge, often to the point of being overly focused on minor or insignificant aspects.

penitent

refers to a person who feels or expresses regret, remorse, or sorrow for their sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings. A penitent individual acknowledges their faults and is often characterized by a genuine desire to make amends or seek forgiveness.

pensive

an adjective that describes a state of deep thoughtfulness, reflection, or contemplation. When someone is pensive they’re typically engaged in serious and often somewhat melancholy or introspective thinking.

pessimistic

an adjective used to describe a tendency to see and anticipate the negative aspects, events, or outcomes.

polemical

an adjective used to describe a style of argumentation or writing style that is strongly critical, controversial, or marked by a tendency to engage in disputes and controversies.

pragmatic

an adjective used to describe an approach or attitude that focuses on practical solutions and and real world outcomes rather than theoretical considerations.

pretentious

an adjective used to describe behavior, speech, or attitudes that attempt to impress others by appearing more sophisticated, cultured or important than is warranted.

provocative

an adjective used to describe something that elicits strong reactions, thoughts, or emotions, often by challenging or stimulating established norms, beliefs or expectations.

pompous

an adjective used to describe someone who displays an exaggerated sense of self importance, superiority, or dignity often in an arrogant or ostentatious (flashy) manner

recalcitrant

an adjective that describes someone or something as being resistant to authority or control, not obedient or compliant, and difficult to manage or operate

reminiscent

this tone in literature or speech refers to a manner of expression that evokes memories or feelings of nostalgia. Its a way of communicating that brings to mind past experiences or events.

remorseful

this tone in literature or speech refers to a manner of expression that conveys feeling of guilt, regret, or sorrow. Its often used to communicate a sense of regret for past actions or decisions.