Describing Tone

While reading some of your SOAPSTones this weekend, it became clear that describing tone is difficult. Here are some terms commonly used to describe the tone of a text( the ones that are in bold I find very useful and commonly found):

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