9.2: Tone
- Page ID
- 25765
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Tone refers to the overall emotional attitude or stance an author has toward his or her subject. We know intuitively what “tone of voice” means when we’re describing a conversation. What emotions did we detect in the sound of the voice? What was the overall attitude of the speaker? These emotions and attitudes come across in many ways and are conveyed by word choice and choice of examples. However, an author's tone may also be conveyed in many other ways, both subtle and overt, including sentence structure, use of questions, emphasis, and of course, by the attitude the words themselves declare.
An author's tone in relation to its subject affects the relationship with the reader. If the reader has a similar attitude, they will feel more trust or affinity for the what the author is saying. If their attitude toward the subject is radically different, they may be so alienated that they reject the author's words.
|
Characteristic |
Tone words |
Contrasting tone words |
|
Degree of seriousness |
conversational, flippant, glib, childish, frivolous, facetious, humorous, sarcastic, comic, satiric, amused, ironic, mocking, irreverent casual, lighthearted, playful, cheerful, ridiculous, giddy, dreamy |
vs. serious, earnest, solemn, grave, intense, impassioned, prayerful, reverent, idealistic |
|
Degree of approval of the subject |
elated, enthusiastic, ecstatic, celebratory, euphoric, joyous, jubilant, zestful, exuberant, blissful, happy, delighted, awestruck, appreciative, approving |
vs. disapproving, disappointed, concerned, alarmed, critical, caustic, appalled |
|
Degree of aggression |
aggressive, caustic, explosive, violent, critical, disapproving, harsh, embattled |
vs. peaceable, peaceful, gentle, mild, meek |
|
Attitude to another's success |
envious, jealous |
vs. admiring, congratulatory, celebratory, enthusiastic |
|
Degree of anger (at another's failing) |
critical, annoyed, angry, frustrated, impatient, disappointed, resentful, hurt, aggravated, outraged, appalled, indignant, disgusted, impotent, vindictive, vengeful, furious |
vs. forgiving, indulgent, understanding, accepting, tolerant |
|
Attitude to one's own failing |
defensive, self-indulgent |
apologetic, remorseful |
|
Positive or negative intentions toward others |
benevolent, kind, loving, affectionate, amiable, genial, agreeable, friendly, jovial, encouraging |
vs mean-spirited, mean, malicious, spiteful, cruel, hateful, hating, vengeful |
|
Degree of emotional connection |
concerned, compassionate, tender, consoling, comforting, sympathetic, empathetic |
vs. apathetic, indifferent, detached, aloof, callous, emotionless |
|
Degree of calm |
calm, tranquil, serene, unworried, contemplative, meditative, reflective, thoughtful |
vs. agitated, excited, sensational, alarmed, nervous, anxious, obsessive, worried, fearful, frightened, paranoid, frantic, frazzled, desperate, dramatic, disturbed, perturbed |
|
Degree of hesitation |
cautious, hesitating, reticent, evasive |
vs. bold, audacious, straightforward, direct, outspoken, authoritative |
|
Degree of certainty |
conflicted, uncertain, reluctant, contradictory, confused, ambivalent, uneasy, apologetic, regretful, pensive |
vs. confident, sure, definite, unapologetic, righteous, self-righteous, determined, persuasive, hypnotic |
|
Degree of respect for others |
dismissive, patronizing, condescending, arrogant, haughty, chauvinistic, macho, domineering |
vs. humble, respectful, reverent, overpowered, intimidated, obsequious, submissive, complimentary, fulsome, flattering, simpering |
|
Degree of self-regard |
condescending, arrogant, patronizing, proud, majestic, haughty, obnoxious |
vs. modest, humble, self-effacing |
|
Attitude to the future / positive or negative affect |
despairing, tragic, defeated, discouraged, resigned, overwhelmed, disheartened, dismal, foreboding, dejected, depressed, bitter, bleak, bewildered, pessimistic, distressed, cynical, pathetic, melancholy, nostalgic, saddened, miserable, morbid, morose, mournful, sorrowful, somber, lamenting, grave, grim |
vs. hopeful, sanguine, optimistic, content, excited, enthusiastic |
|
Degree of interest in the topic |
wondering, curious, inquisitive, fascinated |
vs. bored, apathetic, removed, indifferent, wooden, world-weary, dull, bland, banal |
|
Degree of distance |
formal, impersonal, objective, neutral, journalistic, informative, professional, businesslike, intellectual, detached, numb, distant, disinterested |
vs. intimate, impassioned, passionate, ardent, personal |
|
Degree of formality |
formal, businesslike, professional, professorial, esoteric |
vs. irreverent, informal, coarse, vulgar, casual, conversational, improvisational, exploratory |
|
Degree of surprise |
unbelieving, incredulous, skeptical, surprised, innocent, naive, disbelieving |
vs. knowing, jaded |
|
Pace and attention to detail |
abrupt, hurried, hasty |
vs. patient, gradual, unhurried, lethargic, languid, pensive, scrupulous |
|
Warmth of feeling toward the subject |
warm, flirtatious, seductive |
vs. cold, disgusted |
|
Degree orientation toward action |
active, determined, forceful |
vs. passive, hesitant, reluctant |
|
Desire to communicate |
talkative, eager |
vs. laconic, taciturn |
|
Attitude to powerful forces like spirit, country, religion |
patriotic, pious, religious, reverent, mystical, spiritual, obedient |
vs. irreverent, scoffing, impious |
|
Openness |
open, direct |
vs. secretive, sneaky, sly |
License and Attributions:
CC licensed content, Previously shared:
How Arguments Work: A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College. Authored by: Anna Mills. Located at: https://human.libretexts.org/Courses/City_College_of_San_Francisco/Book%3A_How_Arguments_Work_(Mills)/08%3A_How_Arguments_Appeal_to_Emotion/8.04%3A_Tone
License: CC BY NC 4.0: Attribution Noncommercial.
Adaptions: Reformatted, some content removed to fit a broader audience.