English 3AP Mood and Tone Words

Vocabulary flashcard set defining all 28 tone and mood terms required for the English 3AP summer assignment.

Ambivalent

Having or showing very different feelings (such as love and hate) about someone or something at the same time

Apathetic

Not having or showing much emotion or interest

Baffled

Completely confused

Belligerent

Angry and aggressive : feeling or showing readiness to fight

Cynical

Believing that people are generally selfish and dishonest

Contemplative

Involving, allowing, or causing deep thought

Diffident

Lacking confidence : not feeling comfortable around people

Didactic

Designed or intended to teach people something; usually disapproving — used to describe someone or something that tries to teach something (such as proper or moral behavior) in a way that is annoying or unwanted

Disdainful

Feeling strong dislike or disapproval for something or someone you think does not deserve respect : feeling or showing disdain

Dejected

Sad because of failure, loss, etc.

Derisive

Formal : the feeling that people express when they criticize and laugh at someone or something in an insulting way

Droll

Having an odd and amusing quality

Empathetic

Understanding and sharing another person's experiences and emotions

Fawning

Disapproving : trying to get the approval of an important or powerful person by giving that person praise, special attention, etc.

Flippant

Lacking proper respect or seriousness

Furtive

Quiet and secret; trying to avoid being noticed

Harried

Bothered by many problems or worries : very worried or anxious

Indignant

Feeling or showing anger because of something that is unfair or wrong : very angry

Morose

Of a person : very serious, unhappy, and quiet; very sad or unhappy

Obsequious

Too eager to help or obey someone important, fawning

Patronizing

Disapproving : showing that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people

Pedantic

Disapproving : annoying other people by correcting small errors and giving too much attention to minor details

Pessimistic

Having or showing a lack of hope for the future : expecting bad things to happen

Plaintive

Formal : expressing suffering or sadness : having a sad sound

Pompous

Disapproving : having or showing the attitude of people who speak and behave in a very formal and serious way because they believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people

Sardonic

Formal : showing that you disapprove of or do not like someone or something : showing disrespect or scorn for someone or something

Sadistic

Enjoyment that someone gets from being violent or cruel or from causing pain

Supercilious

Having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of people who think that they are better or more important than other people