SAT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 10

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!
11 words 144 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. brusque
    rudely abrupt or blunt in speech or manner
    He'd been called a bully, but his brusque manner was seen as the sidecar to his ability to get things done. Slate (Jan 14, 2014)
  2. tactful
    having a sense of what is considerate in dealing with others
    Other of my friends seem to pity me, although they are usually tactful enough to not say it out loud. Salon (Mar 17, 2013)
  3. passive
    lacking in energy or will
    To see it otherwise, he said, “implies that the media are passive observers rather than active participants who can do something about it.” New York Times (Aug 16, 2015)
  4. agitated
    physically disturbed or set in motion
    When a flight attendant tried to calm Schneider, he became more agitated, swearing at the crew member, advancing on him and then pushing him. US News (Aug 7, 2015)
  5. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
    Even so, many people are apprehensive about exercise after experiencing a heart attack. Washington Post (Apr 27, 2015)
  6. timid
    showing fear and lack of courage
    Where the U.S. could have been aggressive in its pursuit of additional bi- and multi-lateral trade agreements, it has been timid. US News (Jun 10, 2015)
  7. candid
    openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
    It's odd to hear such a candid admission from the chief of a company whose trade has always been exaggeration and excess. The Verge (Sep 5, 2015)
  8. irate
    feeling or showing extreme anger
    Horns honked, and an irate motorist yelled, “Get out of the street so people can get to work!” The New Yorker (Aug 10, 2015)
  9. inflammatory
    inciting action or rebellion
    But as representatives of the National Socialist Front show up to offer support, the town is plastered with neo-Nazi flags, swastikas and other inflammatory material. New York Times (Sep 8, 2015)
  10. inquisitive
    given to questioning
    He was very inquisitive — he kept asking and I kept answering. Washington Post (May 7, 2015)
  11. elated
    exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
    She ended the class elated and high-fived Victoria: “I built a website! Slate (Aug 31, 2015)
Created on Mon Jun 09 14:18:55 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 16:56:38 EDT 2025)

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