While reading an article or a story we can feel the attitude of an author by the words he or she has used. These words are known as tone words. In this blog we will know what tone words are, examples of tone words and will see their usage in sentences as well.
What are Tone Words?
Tone words help the authors express their feelings. Tone words are used to express positive, negative, and neutral feelings.
Let us have a look at some examples:
- Lemon juice is acerbic.
The word “acerbic” is showing criticism, the author is saying that lemon juice is sour. It is a negative tone word.
- Adam seems to have blithe attitude towards his job.
The word “blithe” means carefree or happy and is a positive tone word.
Here are 10 Tips to Use Tone words and make your writing look perfect.
Examples of Positive Tone Words
The table below shows positive tone words with their meanings.
| Positive Words | Meaning |
| Adoring | To regard with esteem, love, and respect; honor |
| Apathetic | Having or showing little or no emotion; indifferent or unresponsive. |
| Benevolent | Characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings. |
| Blithe | Happy or carefree. |
| Laudatory | Expressing praise and commendation. |
| Cheery | In good spirits. |
| Humorous | Amusing; entertaining; playful |
| Speculative | Expressing |
| Mirthful | Amusing. |
| Jovial | Cheerful and friendly. |
| Hilarious | Extremely amusing. |
| Optimistic | Hopeful and confident about the future. |
| Comforting | Serving to improve a person’s mood |
| Celebratory | Feeling or expressing happiness and pride. |
Examples of Negative Tone Words
Following is a list of negative tone words with their meanings.
| Negative Words | Meaning |
| Abhor | Regard with disgust and hatred. |
| Acerbic | Sour |
| Ambiguous | Not having one obvious meaning. |
| Ambivalent | Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas |
| Angry | Feeling or showing strong annoyance |
| Annoyed | Slightly angry; irritated. |
| Anxious | Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease |
| Apathetic | Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. |
| Apprehensive | Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen. |
| Belligerent | Hostile and aggressive. |
| Indignant | Feeling or showing anger or annoyance |
| Inflammatory | Intended to arouse |
| Insecure | Uncertain or anxious about oneself; not confident. |
| Antagonistic | Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility |
Tone vs Voice
Do not do this mistake Tone with Voice as many people do. Let’s see the difference between Tone and Voice.
- Voice: Voice is personal to each author and lasts throughout a piece. An author’s voice may be friendly, sarcastic, enlightening else.
- Tone words: Indicate the author’s (or character’s) reactions to events that are happening. As different events happen, the tone shifts.
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