AP Style Terms

The following terms may be used to classify a writer’s style (the particular manner of expression of a writer which distinguishes him from other writers).

  1. journalistic-Of, relating to, or characteristic of journalism or journalists
  2. bookish-of or pertaining to books; literary, pedantic
  3. pedantic-ostentatious in one's learning; overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, esp. in teaching
  4. original-new; fresh; inventive; novel, capable of or given to thinking or acting in an independent, creative, or individual manner, archetype, pattern, prototype, model.
  5. classical-of or pertaining to a style of literature and art characterized by conformity to established treatments, taste, or critical standards, and by attention to form with the general effect of regularity, simplicity, balance, proportion, and controlled emotion, accepted as standard and authoritative, as distinguished from novel or experimental
  6. vivid-Presented in clear and striking manner, Perceived or felt with the freshness of immediate experience
  7. ornate-elaborately or sumptuously adorned, often excessively or showily, embellished with rhetoric; florid or high-flown; ostentatious
  8. poetic-of the nature of or resembling poetry; having or showing the sensibility of a poet; having the quality or charm of poetry
  9. imitative-imitating; copying; given to imitation; Formed after a model, pattern, or original
  10. forceful-full of force; powerful; vigorous; effective, cogent
  11. scientific-systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science
  12. rhythmic-cadenced; rhythmical; recurring with measured regularity
  13. sincere-genuine; real; free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest; pure; unmixed; unadulterated
  14. comic-provoking laughter; humorous; funny; laughable
  15. detailed-thorough in the treatment of details; minute; involved, complex, complicated, thorough, comprehensive
  16. homely-lacking in physical attractiveness; not beautiful; unattractive; not having elegance, refinement, or cultivation; proper or suited to the home or to ordinary domestic life; plain; unpretentious
  17. abstract-thought of apart from concrete realities, specific objects, or actual instances, difficult to understand
  18. scholarly-concerned with academic learning and research,
  19. artificial-imitation; simulated; sham; lacking naturalness or spontaneity; forced; contrived; feigned
  20. literary-characterized by an excessive or affected display of learning; stilted; pedantic; pertaining to or of the nature of books and writings and authorship
  21. dull-lacking keenness of perception in the senses or feelings; insensible; unfeeling; causing boredom; tedious; uninteresting; not lively or spirited; listless
  22. concrete-pertaining to or concerned with realities or actual instances rather than abstractions; particular
  23. pedestrian-lacking in vitality, imagination, distinction, etc.; commonplace; prosaic or dull
  24. dignified-characterized or marked by dignity of aspect or manner; stately; decorous; august, noble
  25. dramatic-highly effective; striking; startling, sensational