AP Lang Descriptive Analysis Words-to-Know

Vocabulary flashcards covering descriptive analysis words, tone descriptors, and rhetorical devices from the AP Lang study list.

Acerbic

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

Evasive

Deliberately vague or ambiguous

Indignant

Of or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base

Laudatory

Containing or expressing high praise

Nonchalant

Cooling unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual

Self-depricating

Belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessively modest

Wistful

Characterized by melancholy; longing; yearning; pensive

Juxtapose

Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

Accentuate

Make more noticeable; prominent

Denounce

Publicly declare to be wrong or evil

Zealous

Ardently active, devoted, or diligent

Exacerbate

To make a bad situation worse

Candid

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

Conciliatory

Intended to gain goodwill or favor or to reduce hostility

Empathetic

Showing empathy; identifying with the emotions of others

Haughty

Disdainfully proud; snobbish; supercilious

Inflammatory

Tending to arouse anger or hostility

Jocund

Cheerful; merry; glad

Euphemistic

Using a word or phrase in order to avoid saying a more unpleasant or offensive word

Euphonious

Pleasant in sound

Jargon

Language of a particular profession or study

Nonplussed

Puzzled, perplexed, or confused

Patronizing

Displaying or indicative of a condescending manner or tone

Sardonic

Characterized by scorn; mocking; cynical; sneering

Effusive

Marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm; effusive praise