subtext

[ suhb-tekst ]

noun

1. the underlying or implicit meaning, as of a literary work.

subtext

/ ˈsʌbˌtɛkst /

noun

1. an underlying theme in a piece of writing
2. a message which is not stated directly but can be inferred

Other Words From

• sub·textu·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtext¹

1945–50; translation of Russian podtékst; sub-, text

Example Sentences

The subtext is text as Lucius delivers several speeches about “the dream of Rome” that he learned about at the knee of his grandfather, Marcus Aurelius.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s an overt subtext too that might elevate the movie for those unfamiliar with the show, who had maybe assumed it was a sweet and frothy musical comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

"There is so much subtext within it, I think three people can watch the film and have three different opinions as to how it ends, or who has their empathy at whatever point," she said.

From BBC

The venue did most of the heavy lifting, providing the subtext to the speech and the point from which Harris could pivot.

From BBC

The script wants to wrestle with the question about whether the church can make progress and adapt to the modern world, but all the subtext is text.

From Los Angeles Times