undertone

[ uhn-der-tohn ]

noun

1. a low or subdued tone:

   to speak in undertones.

2. an unobtrusive or background sound:

   an undertone of static from the receiver.

3. an underlying quality or element; undercurrent:

   There was an undertone of regret in his refusal.

4. a subdued color; a color modified by an underlying color.

undertone

/ ˈʌndəˌtəʊn /

noun

1. a quiet or hushed tone of voice
2. an underlying tone or suggestion in words or actions

   his offer has undertones of dishonesty

3. a pale or subdued colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of undertone¹

First recorded in 1800–10; under- + tone

Example Sentences

The practice was initially met with resistance because of its feudal undertones, but eventually it gained traction by the late 19th century, particularly in the hospitality and restaurant industries.

From Salon

“You will not be thinking about abortion” may have even more sinister undertones.

From Salon

She was dropped as the face of a Scottish government health campaign and admitted the tweets had "terrible, horrific undertones".

From BBC

The words of the first black man to play for the senior England team - Viv Anderson - have a steely, serious and thought-provoking undertone.

From BBC

“The Chronicles of Narnia” fits into that genre as an epic tale with Christian undertones about a magical world and the four siblings who discover and rule it as kings and queens.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent