Tone and Emotion Vocabulary

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms and definitions related to tone, emotion, and character descriptions.

Ambivalent

having mixed or conflicting feelings about something

Apathetic

showing little interest, emotion, or concern

Baffled

completely confused or puzzled

Belligerent

hostile and eager to fight or argue

Cynical

distrustful of people's motives, assuming they act selfishly

Contemplative

deeply thoughtful or reflective

Diffident

shy and lacking self-confidence

Didactic

intended to teach a lesson, often in an overly preachy way

Disdainful

showing scorn or a lack of respect for something

Dejected

sad and discouraged, especially after a setback

Derisive

mocking or expressing contempt through ridicule

Droll

amusing in an odd, dry, deadpan way

Empathetic

able to understand and share another person's feelings

Fawning

excessively flattering toward someone powerful or important

Flippant

not showing proper seriousness or respect

Furtive

secretive and trying to avoid being noticed

Harried

worn out and stressed from too many demands or pressures

Indignant

angry because something seems unfair or wrong

Morose

gloomy, sullen, and withdrawn

Obsequious

excessively obedient or eager to please someone important

Patronizing

talking down to someone as if they were inferior

Pedantic

overly focused on minor details or rules, to an annoying degree

Pessimistic

expecting the worst; lacking hope for a good outcome

Plaintive

sounding sad or mournful

Pompous

self-important and excessively formal or serious

Sardonic

mocking or scornfully sarcastic

Sadistic

taking pleasure in causing others pain

Supercilious

arrogantly looking down on other people