AP Lit and Comp
Tone and Words That Describe Language
Tone Words
A list of tone words is one practical solution for providing a basic tone vocabulary. Use
dictionaries to establish definitions and subtle differences between tone words. Keeping a list of
precise tone words, and adding to it, sharpens students' articulation in stating tone. When
describing tone, include such words as:
bitter
audacious
obsequious
benevolent
hollow
childish
accusatory
humorous
sharp
cold
Matter of fact
fanciful
happy
confused
dramatic
apologetic
afraid
detached
apathetic
contemptuous
tired
frivolous
whimsical
irreverent
proud
giddy
solemn
pitiful
satiric
zealous
provocative
condescending
allusive
mocking
patronizing
sarcastic
sweet
objective
pessimistic
nostalgic
joyful
peaceful
didactic
horrific
boring
poignant
awe
sympathetic
vexed
vibrant
indignant
sentimental
dreamy
shocking
malevolent
seductive
restrained
somber
reflective
candid
upset
urgent
sardonic
complimentary
(hint: if you are unfamiliar with the meanings of any of the above words, look them up)
Words That Describe Language
Students often need to develop a vocabulary that describes language. Different from tone, these
words describe the force or quality of the diction, images, and details. These words qualify the
writing, not the attitude or tone. Be able to define these words that describe language.
jargon
pedantic
poetic
archaic
vulgar
euphemistic
moralistic
philosophical
scholarly
pretentious
slang
journalistic
insipid
sensuous
idiomatic
detached
precise
exact
concrete
concrete
esoteric
learned
cultured
obscure
connotative
symbolic
picturesque
artificial
plain
simple
homespun
grotesque
literal
figurative
provincial
precise
colloquial
bombastic
trite
exact