Vocabulary Test Flashcards
Cynical
Distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp. selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp. that all acts are selfish
Satiric
of, relating to, or constituting satire
Foreboding
an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil. A foreboding tone incorporates a feeling of uneasiness regarding future affairs and radiates a suspicious aura around events that have yet to come. Often used by authors to further build plots in stories and get readers engaged for upcoming climax.
Bombastic
Using long and difficult words, usually to make people think you know more than you do. Similarly, when describing the tone of a piece, it is when the author/speaker exaggerates a seemingly simple concept by using complex language.
Detached
not showing or feeling interest
Mocking
making fun of a person or thing in a nasty, mean way. Sometimes, mocking can also be a vital tool of comedians or political satirists.
Despairing
given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope
Nostalgic
A wistful or sentimental yearning to return to older days, or longing for the past.
Incredulous
unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true
Disinterested
not having the mind or feelings engaged : not interested
Nonchalant
relaxed and laid back state of mind due to the person not caring or not being worried.
Contemplative
A process that requires quiet and serious thought for a period of time.
Resigned
Accepting that something you do not like will happen because you cannot change it
Sardonic
a mock-like writing tone often filled with witty remarks. These may come across as hostile, however, are meant to be interpreted in a humorous fashion.
Facetious
Meant to be humorous or funny. Not serious and sometimes can seem sarcastic.
Belligerent
Inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness, which usually applies to persons or animals, or to their attitudes or actions.
Sympathetic
feeling or showing care/ understanding
Candid
Marked by honest sincere expression
Ironic
The opposite of what is assumed or expected to happen. An ironic tone is a tone that says something that could possibly be humorous, because it is the opposite of something that is expected.
Whimsical
Resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice especially; lightly fanciful
Reverent
feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by deeply respectful. Showing deep and solemn respect
Fatalistic
Worst-case scenario thinking
Sentimental
Marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism, attachments
Ambivalent
Having or showing simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings toward something or someone
Condescending
showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others
Didactic
Heavy handed/ controlling teaching. Intend to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.
Pensive
dreamily or wistfully thoughtful. It expresses or reveals thoughtfulness, usually marked by some sadness.
Colloquial
Informal/ familiar speech or writing from a certain area
Inflammatory
to excite anger, disorder, or tumult
Contentious
an author conveys an aggressive or argumentative attitude that causes controversy.
Patronizing
Showing or characterized by a superior attitude towards others : marked by condescension
Informative
Useful and informational
Sincere
Honest and genuine
Exuberant
Excited and joyful
Somber
Gloomy and sad
Bitter
Resentful and angry
Apathetic
Bored, lack of concern and feeling
Authoritative
Leader feel and demanding. Showing that you are confident, in control, and expect to be respected and obeyed; having authority.
matter-of-fact
not showing feelings or emotion, especially in a situation when emotion would be expected: sticking to fact and being plain orstraightforward.
