English Tone Words

Acerbic

Sharp and forthright in tone or manner.

Agitated

Anxious, nervous, or disturbed.

Ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Audacious

Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

Candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

Capricious

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

Clinical

Relating to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies.

Colloquial

Language used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

Conciliatory

Intended or likely to placate or pacify.

Condescending

Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority.

Critical

Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.

Cynical

Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

Didactic

Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

Elegiac

Expressing sorrow or lamentation.

Embittered

Cause (someone) to feel bitter or resentful.

Empathetic

Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Impartial

Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.

Laudatory

Expressing praise and commendation.

Melancholy

A deep, persistent sadness.

Moralistic

Having a narrow and conventional moral attitude.

Nostalgic

Feeling, expressing, or causing a sentimental longing for the past.

Objective

Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

Pedantic

Excessively concerned with minor details and rules; overscrupulous.

Poignant

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

Reflective

Relating to or characterized by deep thought; thoughtful.

Reverent

Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.

Sagacious

Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.

Sarcastic

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

Sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

Somber

Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy.

Strident

Loud and harsh; grating.