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

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.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
    “His impish smile and irreverent sense of humor were enough to quell whatever sensibilities he offended. He didn't mean any harm; that was just Bunky being Bunky.” Fox News (May 28, 2020)
  2. genuine
    not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed
    I searched his face for any kind of sarcasm, but he looked genuine. The Thing About Jellyfish
  3. boastful
    showing excessive self-importance
    After introducing the show, she introduces herself, in the studiously offhand tone of someone accustomed to trying not to sound boastful. The New Yorker (Dec 20, 2018)
  4. bombastic
    ostentatiously lofty in style
    “His discourse was bombastic,” Sisman adds, “and delivered in a loud voice that discouraged interruption.” New York Times (Feb 14, 2020)
  5. grave
    dignified and somber in manner or character
    It is a grave and solemn place, over which hangs the threat of an inevitable doom. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
  6. haughty
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    In whatever haughty terms one wants to describe it—epic, historic, miraculous, transcendent—the choice is justified. Golf Digest (Feb 25, 2020)
  7. hopeful
    having or manifesting optimism
    She felt a little sad that Akira didn’t like it, but she also felt a little happy and hopeful and even excited. A Place to Belong
  8. poignant
    arousing powerful emotions, especially pity or sadness
    The novel's most painful sections — told in poignant flashbacks — explore the interwoven strands of grief, anger and shame that Gifty felt as her beloved brother succumbed, rallied and succumbed again. Washington Post (Aug 25, 2020)
  9. hostile
    characterized by enmity or ill will
    While Joseph was prickly and hostile, Zeke was all smiles and warmth, the kind of person people liked to be around. Dread Nation
  10. idealistic
    motivated by noble or moral beliefs rather than practicality
    Their goals in organizing the workshop were both idealistic and pragmatic. New York Times (Oct 15, 2020)
  11. candid
    openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
    Many spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing a desire to provide candid accounts of events and conversations they witnessed without fear of retribution. Washington Post (Sep 23, 2020)
  12. complacent
    contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
    “We’re not going to relax or get complacent though. We’ve got a tough road ahead of us and some big dreams down the line.” Seattle Times (Nov 12, 2020)
Created on Mon Jun 09 15:02:45 EDT 2025

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