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.