Tone Words

Curt

Using or expressed in few words, in a way perceived as rude. Abrupt, Blunt, Short

Derisive

Expressing contempt or ridicule towards someone or something, showing one thinks they are silly, stupid, or worthless. Mocking, Jeering, Ridiculing, Scoffing

Intimate

Closely acquainted; familiar, close. Deep close connection

Pithy

Concise and forcefully and full of meaning. Expresses idea concisely

Venerating

Regard with great respect; revere. Worship, Honor

Acrimonious

(Of speech and debate) Angry and bitter. Resentful, Harsh, Sarcastic, Hostile,

Earnest

Showing sincere and intense conviction. Serious, Committed

Flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude. Carefree, Make light of serious subject

Inane

Silly; Stupid. Foolish, Senseless

Morose

Gloomy, Bad-Tempered, and Uncommunicative. Sulky, Quiet. Miserable

Pensive

Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. Reflective, Thoughtful, Contemplation

Contemptuous

Showing contempt; scornful. Deep lack of respect. Arrogant

Ambivalent

Mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Uncertain, Doubtful, Indecisive

Elegiac

A feeling of sadness, reflection, and loss. Mournful, Sorrowful, Wistful

Indignant

Showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. Feels treatment is Unjust, Unfair, Unworthy

Narcissistic

Having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance.

Scathing

Extremely harsh, severe, and bitterly critical, designed to wound, condemn, or demolish someone or something with words. Shows no mercy or respect.

Zealous

Showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. Passionate, Strong sense of devotion

Obdurate

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action. Unyielding, Unbending. Resistant to pity, persuasion, or change.

Lyrical

Expressing the writer’s emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way.

Pedantic

Overly concerned with minor details. Precise, exact

Vexed

Annoyed, Frustrated, or worried.

Contrite

Expressing remorse or regret, affected by guilt

Incredulous

Unwilling or unable to believe something

Nostalgic

Feeling sentimental, for situations of the past

Pretentious

Trying to seem more important, knowledgeable, or cultured than they actually are

Taunting

Intended to provoke someone in an insulting or contemptuous manner

Vehement

Showing strong feeling, forceful, passionate, or intense

Audacious

Bold, daring, and often challenges norms, showing fearless originality

Colloquial

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation, not formal or literary

Didactic

Intended to teach something, particularly in having moral instruction as a motive

Facetious

Treating serious issues deliberately with inappropriate humor. Not Flippant

Insolent

A lack of respect. Rude and arrogant

Petulant

Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

Callous

Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others. Cold-hearted

Erudite

Having or showing great knowledge or learning

Fervent

Intense emotion full of powerful feelings, not detached. Sincere

Jingoistic

Extremely and aggressively patriotic. Xenophobic

Patronizing

Speaking or behaving in a way that seems friendly but subtly shows you think you’re superior, treating people like they are less intelligent, experienced, or important

Histrionic

Overly theatrical or dramatic. Insincere, done to attract attention or manipulate emotions