Tone/Attitude Words

1. accusatory-charging of wrong doing

2. apathetic-indifferent due to lack of energy or concern

3. awe-solemn wonder

4. bitter-exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief

5. cynical-questions the basic sincerity and goodness of people

6. condescension; condescending-a feeling of superiority

7. callous-unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others

8. contemplative-studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue

9. critical-finding fault

10. choleric-hot-tempered, easily angered

11. contemptuous-showing or feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect

12. caustic-intense use of sarcasm; stinging, biting

13. conventional-lacking spontaneity, originality, and individuality

14. disdainful-scornful

15. didactic-author attempts to educate or instruct the reader

16. derisive-ridiculing, mocking

17. earnest-intense, a sincere state of mind

18. erudite-learned, polished, scholarly

19. fanciful-using the imagination

20. forthright-directly frank without hesitation

21. gloomy-darkness, sadness, rejection

22. haughty-proud and vain to the point of arrogance

23. indignant-marked by anger aroused by injustice

24. intimate-very familiar

25. judgmental-authoritative and often having critical opinions

26. jovial-happy

27. lyrical-expressing a poet’s inner feelings; emotional; full of images; song-like

28. matter-of-fact--accepting of conditions; not fanciful or emotional

29. mocking-treating with contempt or ridicule

30. morose-gloomy, sullen, surly, despondent

31. malicious-purposely hurtful

32. objective-an unbiased view-able to leave personal judgments aside

33. optimistic-hopeful, cheerful

34. obsequious-polite and obedient in order to gain something

35. patronizing-air of condescension

36. pessimistic-seeing the worst side of things; no hope

37. quizzical-odd, eccentric, amusing

38. ribald-offensive in speech or gesture

39. reverent-treating a subject with honor and respect

40. ridiculing-slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of

41. reflective-illustrating innermost thoughts and emotions

42. sarcastic-sneering, caustic

43. sardonic-scornfully and bitterly sarcastic

44. satiric-ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach

45. sincere-without deceit or pretense; genuine

46. solemn-deeply earnest, tending toward sad reflection

47. sanguineous -optimistic, cheerful

48. whimsical-odd, strange, fantastic; fun