Words used to describe Tone, Mood and Attitude

Tone, mood, and attitude are essential elements in poetry that evoke different emotions and reactions in the reader. Some words used to describe these elements include:

Words used to describe tone, mood and attitude include the following:

Accusatory: assigning blame or guilt, as in Diamond's finger-pointing at the Bank of England.

Apathetic: lacking emotion, as when a player misses field goals with indifference.

Awe: a feeling of wonder or admiration, as expressed in someone's words.

Bitter: expressing severe grief or regret, as when someone is bitter about losing a nomination.

Cynical: believing the worst of human nature and motives, as when confronting the facts of global warming.

Condescending: showing arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior.

Callous: emotionally hardened, as fans felt dissed by Nintendo's callous wording.

Contemplative: seriously thoughtful, as in scenes that unfold in contemplative long takes.

Critical: examining and finding fault with something, as with a critical view.

Choleric: quickly aroused to anger, as when someone clenches their hands in indignation.

Contemptuous: expressing extreme scorn or hatred, as when someone smiles a little contemptuous smile.

Caustic: harsh or corrosive in tone, as in acrid writing.

Conventional: following accepted customs, policies, and proprieties.

Disdainful: showing arrogant superiority to those considered unworthy.

Didactic: excessively instructive, as in a presentation followed by group discussion.

Derisive: expressing contempt or ridicule.

Earnest: characterized by a firm, humorless belief in one's opinions.

Erudite: having profound knowledge.

Fanciful: indulging in imagination, as with fanciful loops done conscientiously.

Forthright: direct and without evasion, as in an acerbic, furious, forthright manner.

Gloomy: depressingly sad.

Haughty: showing arrogant superiority.

Indignant: angered at something unjust or wrong.

Intimate: marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.

Judgmental: depending on assessing a person or situation with bias.

Jovial: full of high-spirited merriment and happiness.

Lyrical: expressing deep emotion.

Mocking: playfully vexing, especially by ridicule.

Morose: showing brooding ill humor, becoming more reserved and pensive.

Malicious: having the nature of threatening evil.

Objective: undistorted by emotion or personal bias.

Optimistic: expecting the best in this best of all possible worlds.

Patronizing: treating others with arrogance or contempt.

Pessimistic: expecting the worst possible outcome.

Quizzical: playfully vexing, especially by ridicule.

Ribald: humorously vulgar or offensive.

Reverent: feeling or showing profound respect.

Ridicule: language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate.

Reflective: capable of physically throwing back or recalling something.

Sarcastic: expressing ridicule that hurts, as with Biden's laughing photos and sarcastic messages.

Sardonic: disdainfully or ironically humorous, as with Mr. Dole's sardonic comments.

Satiric: exposing human folly to ridicule or mocking.

Sincere: open and genuine, not deceitful.

Solemn: dignified and somber or sad in manner or character.