Key Terms & Tone Words (AP LANG)

Rhetoric - The way people produce texts to create meaning

Rhetorical Device - a technique or type of language that is used by a speaker or an author for the purpose of evoking a particular reaction from the listener or reader or persuading them to think in a certain way

Somber - Somber is used to describe situations, facial expressions, or moods that are dark, gloomy, or depressing. Extremely serious; grave; depressing. 

Example: They stood around the casket with droopy shoulders and pale faces.

Satiric - Use of sarcasm, humor, innuendo, subtlety, ambiguity, and/or irony to address archetypal figures rather than particular individuals, exaggerate flaws in society, and/or criticize actions or policies of important public figures. 

Example: “A Modest Proposal” (1729)

Ironic - Conveying a message that is opposite of its literal meaning. Sarcastic. 

Example: War is Peace (1984) “Freedom is Slavery and Ignorance is Strength”

Disdainful - showing contempt or lack of respect. Scornful; contemptuous. 

Example: That person is the scum of the Earth. A pollutant poison that latches onto people like a parasite.

Patronizing - Offensively condescending. 

Example: Don’t you know everyone is supposed to avoid standing too close to the doors in the hallway. Everyone knows that.

Sentimental - dealing with feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia; somewhat overly emotional     Example: It was different then. Everyone played outside and talked to their folks. Unlike now.