SAT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 6

On the SAT, all of the Reading Test questions are multiple choice and are based on reading passages that may be taken from literature, science, the social sciences, or a U.S. founding document (or a text inspired by such a document). Many of the reading comprehension questions meant to assess a student’s understanding of those passages will require students to choose words that best describe the writer’s tone or point of view, words like the ones you see on this list. Learn them here so when you see them in an SAT answer choice, you’ll know what they mean!
12 words 428 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. momentous
    of very great significance
    The Supreme Court is on the verge of a momentous decision that could legalize gay marriage across the country. US News (Jun 23, 2015)
  2. heroic
    having qualities appropriate for brave figures
    He said it was heroic of the officer to put himself in danger to protect the children, who were unhurt. Washington Times (Aug 27, 2015)
  3. audacious
    disposed to venture or take risks
    A maximum security prisoner is back behind bars in Australia after staging an audacious escape. BBC (Aug 18, 2015)
  4. curious
    eager to investigate and learn or learn more
    My squid dream got me curious: Can cephalopods—a group that includes squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish—dream? National Geographic (Sep 5, 2015)
  5. bitter
    proceeding from or exhibiting great hostility or animosity
    A special session on a budget shortfall has so far been characterized by tensions and bitter divisions among legislators. Washington Times (Aug 5, 2015)
  6. insolent
    marked by casual disrespect
    “You are insolent. I suppose that is only to be expected of a wildling. We must find you a husband who can teach you courtesy.” A Dance with Dragons
  7. dejected
    affected or marked by low spirits
    He has rarely looked so dejected, so beaten, so incapable of the rousing return for which many golfing fans long. The Guardian (Jun 18, 2015)
  8. smug
    marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
    Perhaps they would have pulled it off, had it not been for the smug, self-satisfied expressions on their faces as they pretended to be offended. Salon (Jun 23, 2015)
  9. cavalier
    showing a lack of concern or seriousness
    “The prime minister is cavalier in his disregard of international law and agreements when it comes to the proliferation of nuclear weapons,” she told reporters. Washington Times (Sep 3, 2014)
  10. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
    She continues with a irreverent speech that blends slightly off-color jokes with sincere praise and gratitude. Time (Jan 26, 2015)
  11. flippant
    showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness
    “Any reprimand has to be taken seriously, so I don’t want to come across as flippant about it,” he said. Washington Post
  12. vexed
    troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
    These are questions that for years have vexed the courts, which have struggled to define the difference between permissible and illegal computer use. Washington Times (Sep 9, 2015)
Created on Mon Jun 09 14:09:50 EDT 2025

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