Tone words and definitions

ambivalent

having mixed, contradictory, or opposing feelings—such as both loving and hating something—or feeling uncertain about a choice

brusque

someone who speaks or acts in a very direct, brief, and unfriendly way

candid

being completely honest, open, and direct, especially when sharing a difficult or true opinion

choleric

easily angered, bad-tempered, or quick to show wrath

conciliatory

intended to make an angry or upset person less angry, calm down, or feel peace

contentious

something likely to cause disagreement, argument, or controversy

derisive

expressing contempt, scorn, or ridicule toward someone or something

didactic

designed or intended to teach, instruct, or share a moral lesson

ebullient

overflowing with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm

effusive

expressing strong, positive feelings like pleasure, gratitude, or praise in an open, enthusiastic, and unrestrained way

elated

feeling extremely happy, excited, or proud, usually because something good has happened or been achieved

facetious

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor, or saying things that are not meant to be taken seriously

fatalistic

believing that all events are predetermined, inevitable, and outside of human control, making any effort to change the outcome pointless

fervent

having or showing very strong, sincere, and intense feelings or beliefs

forthright

being direct, honest, and outspoken without hiding your true thoughts or evading the point

gushy

showing excessive, overly emotional, or sentimental praise and enthusiasm, often to the point of sounding insincere

haughty

acting proud, snobbish, and arrogant while looking down on others as inferior

incisive

dangerously or impressively clear, sharp, and direct

incredulous

being unwilling or unable to believe something

indignant

feeling or showing anger because of something that is unfair, unjust, or wrong

mirthful

full of laughter, happiness, or high-spirited merriment

resigned

willing to accept an unpleasant situation or fact without complaining because you know you cannot change it

reticent

reserved, quiet, or unwilling to speak freely about your thoughts, feelings, or personal affairs

sanguine

being cheerfully optimistic, confident, or hopeful, especially in a difficult or challenging situation

sardonic

a mocking, cynical, or scornful way of showing amusement, often expressed with a dry or bitter tone

scornful

feeling or showing strong contempt, disrespect, or a belief that someone or something is worthless and does not deserve respect

terse

using very few words, often in a way that is direct, brief, or seemingly rude

timorous

showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

vitriolic

speech or writing that is extremely harsh, bitter, and full of violent hate or malicious criticism