AP English Language and Composition List 1

Acerbic

sharply or bitingly critical, sarcastic, or ironic in temper, mood, or tone

Acrimonious

angry and bitter

Admonishing

cautioning, reproving or scolding; especially in a mild and good-willed manner;

Ardent

characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support or activity

Bemused

bewildered, confused, lost in thought;

Candid

frank; outspoken; open and sincere/ free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge;

Churlish

marked by a lack of civility or graciousness

Derisive

characterized by or expressing contempt; mocking

Dubious

doubtful or uncertain

Fervent

having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm

Grim

bleak, serious, forbidding, or morbid

Histrionic

over-the-top dramatic

Incisive

remarkably clear and direct; sharp

Laudatory

containing or expressing praise

Nostalgic

longing for past events

Patronizing

showing or characterized by a superior attitude towards others

Pedantic

overly concerned with minute details, esp. in teaching or rhetoric

Provocative

tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate;

Reticent

disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved; restrained.

Sardonic

disdainfully or skeptically humorous

Self-deprecating

belittling or undervaluing oneself

Terse

neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language.

Vitriolic

bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism

Wistful

characterized by melancholy; longing; yearning

Zealous

marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal; devoted