STAAR Tone Words

Carefree untroubled, relaxed, lighthearted, cheerful, blithe, casual Whimsy/whimsical fanciful, quirky, imaginative, original, creative, impulsive Uplifting inspiring, motivational, enriching, moving, stirring, heartening Dreamy wistful, preoccupied, distracted, vague, faraway, inattentive Lighthearted carefree, happy-go-lucky, relaxed, upbeat, blithe, cheerful Uninhibited outgoing, immodest, immoral, unrestrained, wanton

Optimistic hopeful, bright, cheerful, positive, sanguine, enthusiastic Hopeful confident, expectant, optimistic, positive, encouraged, buoyant Reverent deferential, respectful, worshipful, awed, humbled Respectful dutiful, humble, deferential, reverential, polite, courteous Complimentary free of charge, courtesy, or on the house OR flattering, admiring, praising, gracious, approving Sweet satisfying, enjoyable, rewarding, agreeable OR lovable, charming, engaging, appealing Warm sincere, heartfelt, earnest, kind, friendly, genial, convivial

Reflective deep, thoughtful, philosophical, insightful, contemplative, introspective, serious Nostalgic sentimental, wistful, yearning, longing, regretful Bittersweet poignant, nostalgic, touching, sentimental

Rational sane, normal, lucid, balanced, cogent, coherent Straightforward candid, frank, forthright, direct, honest, open, sincere

Conversational informal, chatty, relaxed, casual, familiar

Unemotional impassive, unresponsive, detached, inexpressive, pokerfaced, composed, cold Uninspired bland, dull, unoriginal, unimaginative, boring, insipid Bored uninterested, tired, jaded Indifferent/indifference uncaring, uninterested, apathetic, unsympathetic, unconcerned, cold Stark plain, unadorned, simple, blatant, blunt, unembellished

Academic studious, intellectual, scholarly, bookish, educational, literary, learned

Deliberate thoughtful, careful, cautious, methodical, slow OR purposeful, premeditated, conscious, intentional Matter-of-fact down-to-earth, straightforward, rational, realistic, practical

Regretful apologetic, remorseful, repentant, sorry, penitent, contrite, ashamed Apologetic sorry, remorseful, contrite, repentant, rueful

Self-righteous smug, self-satisfied, pious, haughty, supercilious, pretentious, pompous, sanctimonious

Fierce violent, ferocious, brutal, aggressive OR intense, extreme, wild, raging OR strong, powerful, turbulent, passionate

Melodramatic overdramatic, overemotional, exaggerated, histrionic, sensational

Condescending pompous, arrogant, snooty, patronizing, disdainful, superior, haughty, lofty, snobbish, supercilious Contemptuous scornful, derisive, condescending, disdainful, disapproving, sneering, disrespectful, despicable Scornful disdainful, mocking, sneering, contemptuous, disparaging, derisive Pessimistic negative, cynical, doubtful, gloomy, unenthusiastic, distrustful, glum Cynical pessimistic, mocking, sarcastic, contemptuous, skeptical, scornful, negative Resentful angry, indignant, offended, insulted, annoyed, bitter, aggrieved Angry annoyed, irritated, livid, furious, incensed, enraged, infuriated, wrathful Apprehensive anxious, uneasy, worried, nervous, hesitant, fearful, frightened, concerned Skeptical cynical, disbelieving, doubtful, unconvinced, incredulous, suspicious, dubious Cautionary warning, deterrent, reproving, instructive

Gloomy depressed, melancholy, miserable, glum, woeful, disconsolate Melancholy sad, depressed, downhearted, gloomy, despondent, dejected Desperation hopelessness, despair, anguish, desolation, despondency Hopeless depressed, disheartened, forlorn, morose, despairing Depressed/depressing miserable, dejected, glum, despondent, unhappy, blue

Threatening intimidating, bullying, hostile, aggressive, menacing, frightening Frightening terrifying, alarming, upsetting, worrisome, scary, startling

Stringent severe, strict, rigorous, stern, harsh, inflexible, rigid Persuasive convincing, influential, swaying, believable, cogent, credible Strident forceful, persuasive, vocal, vociferous, clamorous, noisy