Tone Definitions

List of Words to Describe Tone with Definitions

1. Accusatory

  • Definition: Charging of wrongdoing.

2. Apathetic

  • Definition: Indifferent due to lack of energy or concern.

3. Awe

  • Definition: Solemn wonder.

4. Bitter

  • Definition: Exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief.

5. Cynical

  • Definition: Questions the basic sincerity and goodness of people.

6. Condescending

  • Definition: A feeling of superiority.

7. Contemplative

  • Definition: Studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue.

8. Critical

  • Definition: Finding fault.

9. Contemptuous

  • Definition: Feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect.

10. Caustic

  • Definition: Stinging, biting.

11. Conventional

  • Definition: Lacking originality and individuality.

12. Disdainful

  • Definition: Scornful.

13. Didactic

  • Definition: Wanting to educate or instruct the reader.

14. Derisive

  • Definition: Ridiculing, mocking.

15. Earnest

  • Definition: A sincere state of mind.

16. Erudite

  • Definition: Learned, polished, scholarly.

17. Forthright

  • Definition: Directly frank without hesitation.

18. Gloomy

  • Definition: Sadness, full of rejection.

19. Haughty

  • Definition: Proud and vain to the point of arrogance.

20. Indignant

  • Definition: Marked by anger aroused by injustice.

21. Judgmental

  • Definition: Authoritative and often having critical opinions.

22. Jovial

  • Definition: Happy.

23. Mocking

  • Definition: Treating with contempt or ridicule.

24. Malicious

  • Definition: Purposely hurtful.

25. Objective

  • Definition: An unbiased view; able to leave personal judgments aside.

26. Optimistic

  • Definition: Hopeful, cheerful.

27. Pessimistic

  • Definition: Seeing the worst side of things; no hope.

28. Reverent

  • Definition: Treating a subject with honor and respect.

29. Ridiculing

  • Definition: Slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of.

30. Reflective

  • Definition: Illustrating innermost thoughts and emotions.

31. Sarcastic

  • Definition: Sneering, caustic.

32. Sardonic

  • Definition: Scornfully and bitterly sarcastic.

33. Satiric

  • Definition: Ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach.

34. Sincere

  • Definition: Without deceit or pretense; genuine.

35. Solemn

  • Definition: Deeply earnest, tending toward sad reflection.