undercurrent

[ uhn-der-kur-uhnt, -kuhr- ]

noun

1. a tendency underlying or at variance with the obvious or superficial significance of words, actions, etc.:

   Even in his friendliest remarks, one could sense an undercurrent of hostility.

2. a current, as of air or water, that flows below the upper currents or surface.

undercurrent

/ ˈʌndəˌkʌrənt /

noun

1. a current that is not apparent at the surface or lies beneath another current
2. an opinion, emotion, etc, lying beneath apparent feeling or meaning

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercurrent¹

First recorded in 1675–85; under- + current

Example Sentences

But Schneider’s normcore exterior belies an undercurrent of intensity: There’s a particular, obsessive mindset required to conceive of and execute such an ambitious public expedition every year over two decades.

From Los Angeles Times

While pop hits blasted from the event speakers, an undercurrent of tension hung in the air.

From Salon

But there was an undercurrent of fear — not only about the result, but about what it will say about the character of the nation.

From Los Angeles Times

The case is still being investigated, but the riots shook the nation and reflected an undercurrent of anger that had been building for years over the way ethnic minorities are treated in France.

From BBC

The sensibility is apparent in his most recent film, “Blitz,” even though it centers on the destruction of London during the German air raids of World War II, while also conveying an undercurrent of the racial strife that lingers in the U.K. today.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• atmosphere
• aura
• crosscurrent
• feeling
• hint
• inclination
• indication
• intimation
• murmur
• overtone
• sense
• tinge
• undertone
• undertow