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