Tone and Mood Words

disgust

A strong feeling of dislike or disapproval.

Etymology: From Old French desgoute (disgust) and Latin disgustare (to be disgusted).

Example Sentence: She turned her face away in disgust when she saw the spoiled food.

avoidance

The action of keeping away from or not doing something.

Etymology: From Latin avodentia, from avodere (to shun).

Example Sentence: The child's avoidance of eye contact made the teacher concerned.

hesitant

Tentative or unsure; feeling uncertain.

Etymology: From Latin haesitans, present participle of haesitare (to stick fast).

Example Sentence: She was hesitant to accept the job offer without further thought.

aversion

A strong dislike or repugnance.

Etymology: From Latin aversionem, from aversari (to turn away from).

Example Sentence: His aversion to crowded places kept him from attending the concert.

awful

Very bad or unpleasant.

Etymology: Originally full of awe; from an older sense meaning inspiring terror.

Example Sentence: The weather was awful during our vacation.

detestable

Deserving to be detested; abominable.

Etymology: From Latin detestabilis, from detestari (to denounce).

Example Sentence: His detestable behavior was not tolerated by his peers.

revulsion

A strong feeling of disgust or repugnance.

Etymology: From Latin revulsionem, from revellere (to pull back).

Example Sentence: She felt a revulsion towards the way the animal was treated.

disappointed

Sad or displeased because something has not happened or been as good as expected.

Etymology: From Latin disappointere, meaning to fail to fulfill.

Example Sentence: He was disappointed to learn that the event was canceled.

revolted

Feeling or showing disgust or strong objection.

Etymology: From Latin revoltere (to turn back).

Example Sentence: The citizens revolted against the oppressive regime.

repugnant

Extremely distasteful; unacceptable.

Etymology: From Latin repugnare (to fight back).

Example Sentence: The repugnant smell made it hard to stay in the room.

disapproval

An expression of unfavorable opinion.

Etymology: From Old French desaprouver, from Latin disapprobare.

Example Sentence: His disapproval was evident in his expression.

loathing

Intense aversion or disgust.

Etymology: From Middle English lothen, from Old English lathian.

Example Sentence: She felt a loathing for the dishonesty she witnessed.

judgmental

Having or displaying an excessively critical point of view.

Etymology: From Latin iudicium (judgment) combined with -al.

Example Sentence: His judgmental attitude made it hard for others to feel comfortable.

anger

A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.

Etymology: From Old Norse angr, meaning trouble or grief.

Example Sentence: Her anger was palpable when she discovered the truth.

critical

Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.

Etymology: From Greek kriticalos, from krisis (a deciding).

Example Sentence: The critic's review was particularly critical of the acting.

sarcastic

Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.

Etymology: From Greek sarkazein (to tear flesh).

Example Sentence: His sarcastic remark drew laughter from the crowd.

skeptical

Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.

Etymology: From Greek skeptikos, meaning contemplative.

Example Sentence: She was skeptical of the salesman's claims.

distant

Far away in space or time; emotionally uninvolved or detached.

Etymology: From Latin distantem, from distare (to stand apart).

Example Sentence: He remained distant during the conversation.

suspicious

Having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something.

Etymology: From Latin suspicionem, meaning to look up at.

Example Sentence: Her suspicious nature made her wary of strangers.

withdrawn

Removed from social contact; introverted.

Etymology: From Old English withdrogan, meaning to draw back.

Example Sentence: After the incident, he became withdrawn and avoided his friends.

frustrated

Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.

Etymology: From Latin frustratus, meaning deceived or disappointed.

Example Sentence: She was frustrated by the lack of progress.

irritated

Showing or feeling slight anger; annoyed.

Etymology: From Latin irritare (to stir up).

Example Sentence: His constant interruptions irritated her.

infuriate

To make furious; provoke extreme anger.

Etymology: From Latin infuriatus, meaning to be in a rage.

Example Sentence: His rudeness infuriated her.

aggressive

Ready or likely to attack or confront.

Etymology: From Latin aggressivus, meaning to attack.

Example Sentence: The aggressive behavior of the dog scared the children.

hostile

Unfriendly; antagonistic.

Etymology: From Latin hostilis, meaning relating to an enemy.

Example Sentence: The hostile remarks escalated tensions in the room.

provoked

Stimulated or incited to anger or another strong feeling.

Etymology: From Latin provocare, meaning to call forth.

Example Sentence: She felt provoked by their unfair treatment.

mad

Mentally ill; very angry.

Etymology: From Old English gemædde, meaning insane.

Example Sentence: He was mad with anger after the betrayal.

enraged

Filled with anger.

Etymology: From Latin inrarescere, meaning to grow wild.

Example Sentence: She was enraged by the sudden cancellation of her flight.

furious

Extremely angry.

Etymology: From Latin furiosus, meaning mad, raging.

Example Sentence: He was furious when he found out the truth.

hateful

Full of hate; malicious.

Etymology: From Old English hateful, a derivative of hate.

Example Sentence: She found his hateful comments deeply upsetting.

violated

Breach or disregarded a law, rule, or code.

Etymology: From Latin violare, meaning to injure or violate.

Example Sentence: The protestors claimed their rights had been violated.

resentful

Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

Etymology: From Latin sentire (to feel); re- indicates back.

Example Sentence: She was resentful of the extra work she had to do.

threatened

Being put at risk or danger.

Etymology: From Old Norse þrǣta, meaning to put in jeopardy.

Example Sentence: The species is threatened by habitat loss.

jealous

Feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.

Etymology: From Old French jalousie, from Latin zelle.

Example Sentence: She was jealous of her friend's success.

insecure

Not confident or assured; uncertain and anxious.

Etymology: From Latin in-, meaning not, and securus, meaning safe.

Example Sentence: He felt insecure about his performance.

hurt

Causing emotional pain or injury.

Etymology: From Old English hyrt, meaning to cause pain.

Example Sentence: The harsh words hurt her feelings.

devastated

Separated from one’s core; possessing intense grief.

Etymology: From Latin devastare, meaning to lay waste.

Example Sentence: They were devastated when they lost their home.

embarrassed

Feeling self-conscious or ashamed.

Etymology: From French embarrasser, meaning to impede.

Example Sentence: He felt embarrassed by his mistake.

fear

An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.

Etymology: From Old English fǣr, meaning danger or sudden appearance.

Example Sentence: She felt a wave of fear wash over her as she entered the dark room.

humiliated

Made to feel ashamed or foolish.

Etymology: From Latin humiliare, meaning to humble.

Example Sentence: He felt humiliated after tripping in front of the crowd.

ridiculed

Subjected to mockery or derision.

Etymology: From Latin ridiculus, meaning laughable.

Example Sentence: She was ridiculed for her unusual fashion choices.

disrespected

Lacked respect or appreciation.

Etymology: From dis- (not) + respect.

Example Sentence: He felt disrespected by the harsh comments.

rejected

Dismissed as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty.

Etymology: From Latin rejacere, meaning to throw back.

Example Sentence: Her proposal was rejected by the committee.

alienated

Feeling estranged or isolated.

Etymology: From Latin alienare, meaning to make unfriendly.

Example Sentence: He felt alienated from his peers after the scandal.

inadequate

Not sufficient; lacking in quality or quantity.

Etymology: From Latin inadequatus, meaning not adequate.

Example Sentence: The resources provided were inadequate for the project.

submissive

Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.

Etymology: From Latin submissus, meaning to put down.

Example Sentence: The dog was submissive to its owner’s commands.

insignificant

Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.

Etymology: From Latin insignificans, meaning not significant.

Example Sentence: Their contributions were deemed insignificant by the organizers.

worthless

Lacking value.

Etymology: From Old English weorthless, meaning without worth.

Example Sentence: He felt worthless after losing his job.

insecure

Uncertain and anxious about oneself.

Etymology: From Latin in-, meaning not, and securus, meaning safe.

Example Sentence: She was insecure about her appearance.

inferior

Lower in rank, status, or quality.

Etymology: From Latin inferior, meaning lower.

Example Sentence: He felt inferior to his more experienced colleagues.

anxious

Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.

Etymology: From Latin anxius, meaning troubled.

Example Sentence: She was anxious about the upcoming exam.

worried

Feeling anxious or concerned.

Etymology: From Old English wyrgan, meaning to strangle or seize.

Example Sentence: He was worried about his friend’s health.

overwhelmed

Burdened with too much work or too many responsibilities.

Etymology: From Old English whelmian, meaning to cover over.

Example Sentence: She felt overwhelmed by the amount of homework assigned.

scared

Fearful or frightened.

Etymology: From Old English sceard, meaning to frighten.

Example Sentence: He was scared during the horror movie.

frightened

Made afraid or anxious.

Etymology: From Old English fricta, meaning to cause fear.

Example Sentence: She was frightened by the sudden thunder.

terrified

Extremely scared.

Etymology: From Latin terrificare, meaning to frighten greatly.

Example Sentence: She was terrified during the haunted house tour.

surprise

An unexpected event or fact.

Etymology: From Latin surprendere, meaning to take unawares.

Example Sentence: The surprise party was a great success.

startled

Suddenly shocked or alarmed.

Etymology: From Middle English startlen, meaning to leap up.

Example Sentence: He was startled by the loud noise.

shocked

Cause someone to feel surprised and upset.

Etymology: From Old English sceocian, meaning to strike or hit.

Example Sentence: She was shocked by the news of their breakup.

dismayed

Feeling distress or shock.

Etymology: From Middle English dismayen, meaning to discourage.

Example Sentence: He was dismayed by the results of the election.

confused

Unable to think clearly.

Etymology: From Latin confundere, meaning to mix together.

Example Sentence: The instructions left her feeling confused.

disillusioned

Having lost faith or trust.

Etymology: From disillusion + -ed.

Example Sentence: He was disillusioned after realizing the truth.

perplexed

Completely baffled; very puzzled.

Etymology: From Latin perplexus, meaning entangled or confused.

Example Sentence: She felt perplexed by the riddle.

amazed

Filled with wonder.

Etymology: From Latin admirationem, meaning astonished.

Example Sentence: He was amazed by the beauty of the landscape.

astonished

Very surprised or impressed.

Etymology: From Old French estoner, meaning to stun.

Example Sentence: She was astonished by his generous gift.

awe

A feeling of respect mixed with fear or wonder.

Etymology: Old Norse agi, meaning dread.

Example Sentence: The audience was in awe of the magician's performance.

excited

Very enthusiastic and eager.

Etymology: From Latin excitare, meaning to rouse.

Example Sentence: She was excited about the upcoming vacation.

eager

Wanting to do something very much.

Etymology: From Old English ægre, meaning sharp, keen.

Example Sentence: He was eager to begin his new job.

energetic

Showing or involving great activity or vitality.

Etymology: From Latin energeticus, from Greek energetikos.

Example Sentence: The energetic puppy bounced around the yard.

happy

Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

Etymology: From Old English hap, meaning luck.

Example Sentence: She was happy to receive the good news.

joyful

Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.

Etymology: From Old French joie, meaning joy.

Example Sentence: The children were joyful during the festivities.

liberated

Free from oppression.

Etymology: From Latin liberare, meaning to set free.

Example Sentence: The people felt liberated after the revolution.

ecstatic

Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness.

Etymology: From Greek ekstatikos, meaning to be outside of oneself.

Example Sentence: She was ecstatic when she found out she had won the lottery.

interested

Showing curiosity or concern about something.

Etymology: From Latin interesse, meaning to be between.

Example Sentence: He was interested in learning more about the history of the area.

amused

Finding something funny or entertaining.

Etymology: From Old French amuser, meaning to divert.

Example Sentence: The comedian's jokes amused the audience.

inquisitive

Curious or inquiring.

Etymology: From Latin inquisitivus, meaning seeking to know.

Example Sentence: The inquisitive child asked many questions.

proud

Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements.

Etymology: From Old English prūde, meaning brave.

Example Sentence: She was proud of her accomplishments.

important

Of great significance or value.

Etymology: From Latin importare, meaning to bring in.

Example Sentence: Education is important for personal development.

confident

Feeling or showing certainty about something.

Etymology: From Latin confidere, meaning to trust.

Example Sentence: He felt confident in his ability to succeed.

accepted

Generally approved or agreed on.

Etymology: From Latin acceptare, meaning to take or receive.

Example Sentence: Her application was accepted without any issues.

respected

Admired or esteemed.

Etymology: From Latin respectus, meaning consideration.

Example Sentence: He was respected by his colleagues for his hard work.

fulfilled

Satisfied or happy because of fully developing one's abilities.

Etymology: From Old English fullfyllan, meaning to make full.

Example Sentence: She felt fulfilled after completing the project.

powerful

Having control or influence.

Etymology: From Old French povoir, meaning to be able.

Example Sentence: The powerful leader commanded respect.

courageous

Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.

Etymology: From Latin coraticus, meaning heart.

Example Sentence: The firefighters were courageous in their rescue efforts.

provocative

Causing thought about an interesting subject.

Etymology: From Latin provocativus, meaning to call forth.

Example Sentence: The article presented a provocative argument.

peaceful

Free from disturbance; tranquil.

Etymology: From Latin pacificus, meaning peace-making.

Example Sentence: The peaceful environment allowed her to relax.

loving

Feeling or showing love.

Etymology: From Old English lufian, meaning to love.

Example Sentence: Her loving gesture made his day brighter.

hopeful

Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

Etymology: From Old English hopian, meaning to hope.

Example Sentence: She remained hopeful about her dreams.

intimate

Closely acquainted; familiar.

Etymology: From Latin intimus, meaning innermost.

Example Sentence: They shared an intimate moment at the dinner.

sensitive

Quick to detect or respond to slight changes.

Etymology: From Latin sensitivus, meaning capable of sensation.

Example Sentence: He was sensitive to criticism.

playful

Fond of games and amusement; lighthearted.

Etymology: From Old English plegian, meaning to frolic or leap.

Example Sentence: The playful puppy chased its tail.

optimistic

Hopeful and confident about the future.

Etymology: From Latin optimus, meaning best.

Example Sentence: She had an optimistic outlook on life.

open

Accessible to new ideas or experiences.

Etymology: From Old English āpen, meaning not closed.

Example Sentence: He was open to feedback and suggestions.

inspired

Filled with the urge or ability to do something creative.

Etymology: From Latin inspirare, meaning to breathe into.

Example Sentence: She felt inspired to write after her travels.

sad

Feeling sorrowful or unhappy.

Etymology: From Latin sanguis, meaning bereft of hope.

Example Sentence: He felt sad after watching the movie.

bored

Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest.

Etymology: From Middle English bore, meaning to weary.

Example Sentence: She felt bored sitting in the waiting room.

indifferent

Having no particular interest or concern.

Etymology: From Latin indifferens, meaning not caring.

Example Sentence: His indifferent attitude toward the situation surprised everyone.

apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest.

Etymology: From Greek apatheia, meaning lack of feeling.

Example Sentence: The apathetic student didn’t care about the final exam.

lonely

Sad because one has no friends or company.

Etymology: From Old English laenlic, meaning alone.

Example Sentence: He felt lonely after moving to a new city.

isolated

Separated from others; alone.

Etymology: From Latin insolatus, meaning made alone.

Example Sentence: The island was isolated from the mainland.