AP Lang and Comp - Tone and Diction

Admiring (Tone)

Expressing respect, approval, or warm regard toward something or someone.

Artificial (Diction)

Language that sounds insincere, forced, or contrived rather than natural or genuine.

Bitter (Tone)

Showing strong resentment or cynicism, often with harsh or sharp language.

Candid (Tone)

Open, honest, and straightforward in expression, without concealment or manipulation.

Contemptuous (Tone)

Expressing disdain, scorn, or deep disapproval.

Colloquial (Diction)

Informal, conversational language that reflects everyday speech rather than formal writing.

Colorful (Diction)

Vivid, lively, and full of expressive, striking, or unusual words.

Concrete (Diction)

Specific, tangible language that appeals to the senses rather than abstract concepts.

Connotative (Diction)

Words chosen for their implied or suggested meanings beyond their literal definition.

Cultured (Diction)

Sophisticated, refined language that reflects education and awareness of literature or art.

Elevated (Diction)

Formal, sophisticated, and sometimes ornate language that conveys seriousness or importance.

Emotional (Tone)

Expressing strong feelings, such as joy, sorrow, anger, or passion.

Esoteric (Diction)

Language that is specialized, obscure, and understood only by a small, knowledgeable audience.

Euphemistic (Diction)

Using mild or indirect words to soften harsh or unpleasant concepts.

Exact (Diction)

Precise, accurate language that leaves no room for ambiguity.

Facetious (Tone)

Playfully humorous or sarcastic, often in an inappropriate or dismissive way.

Grotesque (Tone)

Distorted, exaggerated, or bizarre language that evokes discomfort or horror.

Homespun (Diction)

Simple, plain, and unpretentious language, often reflecting rural or folk speech.

Idiomatic (Diction)

Language that includes expressions, slang, or phrases unique to a particular group or region.

Insipid (Diction)

Dull, uninteresting, or lacking in strong qualities or flavor.

Jargon (Diction)

Specialized, technical language used by a particular profession or group.

Learned (Diction)

Scholarly, intellectual language that reflects extensive knowledge.

Moralistic (Tone)

Expressing strong opinions about right and wrong, often in a judgmental way.

Obscure (Diction)

Unclear or difficult-to-understand language, often due to complexity or vagueness.

Pedantic (Tone)

Overly concerned with minor details, rules, or academic formality in language.

Picturesque (Diction)

Descriptive, vivid, and visually appealing language.

Plain (Diction)

Simple, clear, and straightforward language without embellishment.

Poetic (Diction)

Lyrical, expressive language that often includes rhythm, imagery, or metaphor.

Precise (Diction)

Language that is carefully chosen to convey an exact meaning.

Pretentious (Tone)

Overly formal, showy, or attempting to impress with exaggerated importance.

Prosaic (Tone)

Ordinary, dull, and lacking poetic beauty or imagination.

Satirical (Tone)

Using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock.

Scholarly (Diction)

Intellectual, academic language that is formal and well-researched.

Sensuous (Diction)

Language that appeals to the senses, evoking touch, taste, smell, sound, or sight.

Vulgar (Tone)

Crude, offensive, or lacking refinement in language.

Sentimental (Tone)

Overly emotional, nostalgic, or excessively tender in expression.

Skeptical (Tone)

Doubtful, questioning, or disbelieving in tone.

Somber (Tone)

Serious, grave, or melancholy in mood.

Sympathetic (Tone)

Showing understanding, compassion, or support for someone or something.

Tongue-in-cheek (Tone)

Ironic, playful, or subtly mocking in expression.

Threatening (Tone)

Menacing, hostile, or implying harm.

Urgent (Tone)

Pressing, immediate, or demanding quick action.

Vindictive (Tone)

Seeking revenge, showing strong resentment or spite.

Zealous (Tone)

Passionate, fervent, or intensely enthusiastic.