Tone Words: 160 Useful Words to Describe Tone (with Examples)

Tone Words!!! The tone is the manner in which an author expresses his/ her attitude, the intonation of the voice that expresses meaning. Here is a list of 90 positive tone words and 70 negative tone words. This list is an excellent starting point for building up vocabulary to converse fluently in English.

Contents

Tone Words

Positive Tone Words

Sympathetic
Wistful
Ebullient
Zealous
Self-assured
Confident
Fervent
Compassionate
Scholarly
Happy
Sanguine
Romantic
Flippant
Relaxed
Comforting
Worshipful
Reassuring
Proud
Facetious
Placid
Mirthful
Passionate
Optimistic
Nostalgic
Forthright
Expectant
Reflective
Modest
Lively
Delightful
Light
Affectionate
Conciliatory
Funny
Admiring
Laudatory
Joyful
Interested
Whimsical
Humorous
Blithe
Reverent
Adoring
Serene
Respectful
Encouraging
Friendly
Empathetic
Complimentary
Elated
Gleeful
Effusive
Jovial
Ecstatic
Contented
Earnest
Comic
Silly
Cheerful
Hopeful
Tranquil
Hilarious
Celebratory
Euphoric
Casual
Calm
Benevolent
Sprightly
Approving
Tender
Excited
Appreciative
Poignant
Gushy
Playful
Bemused
Exhilarated
Straightforward
Introspective
Sentimental

Negative Tone Words

Doubtful
Disrespectful
Acerbic
Horror
Abhorring
Hopeless
Grim
Gloomy
Furious
Frustrated
Ambivalent
Indifferent
Ambiguous
Frightened
Worried
Frantic
Confused
Threatening
Condescending
Forceful
Evasive
Disliking
Pedantic
Disappointed
Belligerent
Diabolic
Bewildered
Detached
Grave
Desperate
Violent
Foreboding
Despairing
Greedy
Contemptuous
Desolate
Cynical
Curt
Apprehensive
Ironic
Apathetic
Conceited
Cold
Bossy
Blunt
Haughty
Pessimistic
Harsh
Bitter
Tense
Biting
Enraged
Embarrassed
Derogatory
Derisive
Anxious
Sarcastic
Antagonistic
Fearful
Dark
Fatalistic
Annoyed
Pompous
Angry
Depressed
Sardonic
Elegiac
Demanding
Informal
Critical

Examples of Tone Words

I did not feel at all sympathetic towards Kate.
With another wistful sigh, she sat back in her seat.
My father is a naturally ebullient personality.
She was most zealous in performing her duties.
She did her best to appear more self-assured than she felt.
I’m confident about our victory.
At that time I was a fervent believer in the civil service system.
I allowed him to go home on compassionate grounds.
He was a very scholarly young man.
Life’s too short to be anything but happy.
He tends to take a sanguine view of the problems involved.
The lighting in that restaurant is soft and romantic.
You shouldn’t be flippant about such things.
Everybody was in a very relaxed and jolly mood.
His comforting words helped to sustain me in my faith during those dark days.
We deeply understand the worshipful value and the torment of the wars.
He gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Her parents are very proud of her.
We can be facetious about the examples that I am using.
The lake was placid and still under the moonlight.
Rose was doubtful about the whole idea.
I think young people are sometimes disrespectful in their speech.
The letter was written in her usual acerbic style.
He was filled with horror at the sight.
He is a very upright man, abhorring evil as a deadly foe.
They feel hopeless about their future.
Her face was grim as she told them the bad news.
I’m haunted with gloomy thoughts and sad memories.
I was late and he was furious with me.
He felt extremely frustrated when things went against him.
He has an ambivalent attitude towards her.
It is quite indifferent to me whether you go or stay.
The government has been ambiguous on this issue.
He was frightened at the sight of the dog.
I’m worried about washing that shirt in case it shrinks.
I’ve had a frantic rush to get my work done.
I’m totally confused. Could you explain that again?
He was notorious for his violent and threatening behavior.
Her tone of voice was always so condescending.
It made a very forceful impression on me.
The mirthful ending of the movie delighted all the audience.
If you are passionate about something, pursue it.
Despite all the difficulties, he still remains optimistic.
I get very nostalgic when I watch these old musicals on TV.
His forthright behavior offends some people.
She gave an evasive answer.
Some people can be very pedantic about punctuation.
To judge from what she said, she was very disappointed.
The belligerent countries are having difficulties funding the war.
Pitt’s smile returned, and it was hideously diabolic.