ACT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 8

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.
12 words 29 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
    He isn’t an especially contentious man — on the contrary, his manner is generally amiable and serene. New York Times (Dec 12, 2019)
  2. despondent
    without or almost without hope
    He became despondent over his own failings and the loss of his troops. Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen
  3. sardonic
    disdainfully or ironically humorous
    “Everybody just thought I was a kook,” said Spencer, 34, who started a sardonic blog that not only documented his and others’ experiences within surf culture, but also made fun of them. New York Times (Nov 16, 2020)
  4. cautionary
    serving to warn
    Butler said the novels in her “Parable” series were meant to be cautionary. Los Angeles Times (Nov 18, 2020)
  5. urgent
    compelling immediate action
    Sergio paused, searching for the right word that would be accurate, not hysterical, something urgent and intelligent, to bring immediate help. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
  6. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions
    “His responses were so vehement the interpreter apologized before translating,” she said. New York Times (Sep 22, 2019)
  7. contemptuous
    expressing extreme scorn
    The men were clean-shaven, stone-eyed, silently contemptuous of the filthy disorganized rabble trailing by. Atonement
  8. deferential
    showing courteous regard for people's feelings
    “Oh, no. I’m so sorry, officer,” I said, my tone both pleading and deferential. The Guardian (Feb 20, 2020)
  9. intimate
    marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
    The fraternity of Marine fighter pilots was small, intimate, and exceedingly close. The Great Santini
  10. mordant
    harshly ironic or sinister
    It’s not just a mordant joke or a grim chuckle, but several minutes of hilarious awfulness. The Verge (Jul 17, 2017)
  11. irate
    feeling or showing extreme anger
    “What are you talking about, Mia?” demanded my now clearly irate teacher. A Mango-Shaped Space
  12. ironic
    humorously sarcastic or mocking
    A roar of laughter greeted the ironic words. Redwall
Created on Mon Jun 09 15:04:32 EDT 2025

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