SAT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 13

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!
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. profound
    showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
    For the Hawaiians, who invented the sport, surfing was no mere pastime but a profound expression of their religion and culture. Wall Street Journal (Aug 13, 2015)
  2. curt
    brief and to the point
    There was no explanation given in the curt, two-paragraph news release that the Dodgers sent out to announce the bizarre move. Los Angeles Times (Aug 17, 2015)
  3. demure
    shy or modest, often in a playful or provocative way
    Yes, it was see-through - and there was latex! - but it was oddly demure, covered up, with just a hint of suggestion. New York Times (Nov 21, 2012)
  4. earnest
    characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one's opinions
    [He] seemed overly slow and overly earnest, like a man explaining the government to toddlers. Washington Post (Jun 24, 2015)
  5. surly
    unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation
    Managers who were perceived as kind and caring, and who could inspire and coach employees would do better than bosses who were mean and surly. Forbes (Jun 22, 2015)
  6. vibrant
    vigorous and animated
    We know these cities, at their best, can all be inviting, vibrant, and dynamic destinations. Time (Aug 31, 2015)
  7. befuddled
    perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements
    He has often seemed befuddled and confused, along with wrong about just about everything. Salon (Jun 22, 2015)
  8. contemplative
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    Some people become more contemplative as they age and take the time to reflect on the life they have lived. US News (Jun 26, 2015)
  9. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
    While we know children are impressionable, they are also discerning and optimistic, often noting the best in people rather than taking a more cynical view. US News (Jul 27, 2015)
  10. forlorn
    marked by or showing hopelessness
    he image of forlorn bears on small rafts of ice has become a symbol of the dangers of climate change. New York Times (Sep 22, 2014)
Created on Mon Jun 09 14:23:53 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 17:00:28 EDT 2025)

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