ACT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

On the ACT Reading Test, you will almost certainly encounter questions that ask about an author's tone — that is, the author's attitude toward their subject matter. Master our comprehensive collection of common words used to describe an author's tone, and you'll be well prepared to tackle these questions.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. disdainful
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    The two leaders share a chilly, almost disdainful relationship. Washington Post (Apr 2, 2019)
  2. philosophical
    meeting trouble with level-headed detachment
    But she was philosophical, and it was not her way to quarrel very deeply with herself or with life. Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn
  3. belligerent
    characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
    He strutted around with a belligerent and tough attitude. Where the Red Fern Grows
  4. wistful
    showing pensive sadness
    His tone was wistful, with a hint that the fate of legacy would soon be in someone else’s hands. Washington Post (Nov 24, 2020)
  5. bitter
    proceeding from or exhibiting great hostility or animosity
    He laughed, not in a mean or bitter way, but just like he thought she was funny. A Place to Belong
  6. ecstatic
    feeling great rapture or delight
    "Everyone is ecstatic and also excited about the future," she said. BBC (Nov 26, 2020)
  7. effusive
    uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm
    Stars flooded social media with effusive tributes to the late icon. Fox News (Aug 16, 2019)
  8. callous
    emotionally hardened
    I felt rather exhausted, and wondered, rather shocked at my callous thought, why old people were sometimes such a strain. Rebecca
  9. reflective
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    This more reflective, more personal moment in arts criticism may widen the audience for arts writing. Washington Post (Nov 25, 2020)
  10. pensive
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    Her father was quiet for the first few miles, and Stella did not disturb his pensive mood. Stella by Starlight
  11. perceptive
    having the ability to understand
    Finally, thanks to an unusually perceptive academic adviser who taught African American studies, she applied for and got a paid summer internship at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Los Angeles Times (Jun 19, 2020)
  12. condescending
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    Jack didn’t say this in a mocking or condescending tone. Book Scavenger
  13. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
    As you are not playing downstairs, or peacefully abed, a cynical person might wonder what you are doing at this late hour, and if you are up to no good. The Name of the Wind
Created on Wed Jun 04 12:47:54 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 04 12:48:30 EDT 2025)

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