WORDS TO DESCRIBE TONE

accusatory

charging of wrongdoing

apathetic-indifferent

indifferent due to lack of energy or

concern

awe

solemn wonder

bitter

exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain

or grief

cynical

questions the basic sincerity and goodness

of people

condescending

a feeling of superiority

contemplative

studying, thinking, reflecting on an

issue

critical

finding fault

contemptuous

feeling that something is worthless

or lacks respect

caustic

stinging, biting

conventional

lacking originality and individuality

disdainful

scornful

didactic

wanting to educate or instruct the reader

derisive

ridiculing, mocking

earnest

a sincere state of mind

erudite

learned, polished, scholarly

forthright

directly frank without hesitation

gloomy

sadness, full of rejection

haughty

proud and vain to the point of arrogance

indignant

marked by anger aroused by injustice

judgmental

authoritative and often having

critical opinions

jovial

happy

mocking

treating with contempt or ridicule

malicious

purposely hurtful

objective

an unbiased view, able to leave

personal judgments aside

optimistic

hopeful, cheerful

pessimistic

seeing the worst side of things; no

hope

reverent

treating a subject with honor and

respect

ridiculing

slightly contemptuous banter; making

fun of

reflective

illustrating innermost thoughts and

emotions

sarcastic

sneering, caustic

sardonic

scornfully and bitterly sarcastic

satiric

ridiculing to show weakness in order to

make a point

sincere

without deceit or pretense; genuine

solemn

deeply earnest, tending toward sad

reflection