Vocab 1: Tone words

Pompous

Acting like you're more important or smarter than others; showing off in a snobby way.

Example: He gave a long, pompous speech about how great he is.

Pragmatic

Being practical and realistic; doing what works best, not what sounds ideal.

Example: She's very pragmatic and focuses on solving the problem instead of arguing.

Patronizing

Talking down to someone like they’re not smart or capable.

Example: He gave her a patronizing smile and said, “Good job, for someone like you.”

Poignant

Emotionally touching or moving; often in a sad or powerful way.

Example: The movie ended with a poignant scene that made everyone tear up.

Incredulous

Not willing or able to believe something; shocked or amazed.

Example: She looked incredulous when she heard he had won the lottery.

Reticent

Quiet and reserved; not willing to share thoughts or feelings easily.

Example: He was reticent about his past and didn’t talk much.

Forthright

Honest and direct; saying exactly what you think.

Example: She was forthright about not liking the new plan.

Indignant

Feeling angry or upset because something seems unfair.

Example: He was indignant when blamed for something he didn’t do.

Unabashed

Not embarrassed or ashamed, even when most people would be.

Example: She was unabashed about her love for cheesy romance movies.

Contemptuous

Showing deep dislike or disrespect.

Example: He gave a contemptuous laugh when asked to follow the silly rule.

Wry

A dry or slightly sarcastic sense of humor, often used when something is a bit sad or ironic.

Example: He gave a wry smile after losing, saying, “Well, that went well.”

Caustic

Very harsh, critical, or sarcastic, especially in speech or writing.

Example: Her caustic comment made everyone go silent.

Pretentious

Acting like you’re more important, smart, or fancy than you really are.

Example: He used big words to sound smart, but just came off as pretentious.

Malicious

Wanting to hurt or harm someone on purpose.

Example: The rumors were spread with malicious intent.

Brazen

Bold in a rude or shameless way; not caring if people think it's wrong.

Example: She made a brazen move and took credit for someone else’s work.

Whimsical

Playful, creative, or unpredictable in a fun way.

Example: The room was decorated in a whimsical style with fairy lights and colors.

Ambivalent

Having mixed or conflicting feelings about something; not sure how you feel.

Example: She felt ambivalent about moving away—excited but also sad to leave.

Seductive

Very tempting or attractive, often in a charming or sexy way.

Example: The ad had a seductive offer that was hard to resist.

Incensed

Extremely angry or furious.

Example: He was incensed when he found out someone had lied to him.

Didactic

Designed to teach something, often in a way that feels preachy or overly instructive.

Example: The book was interesting, but a bit too didactic—it felt like a lecture.