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 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 song is joyful, but with an unmistakable undertone of frustration and despair.

From Salon

“There’s always this undertone of mass incarceration,” Gascón said of his opponent’s rhetoric.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris is trying “to appeal to voters from all across the country,” said Contois, adding that there’s a “nationalist undertone” to McDonald’s that may help, too.

From Los Angeles Times

“In real life, it might be presented slightly more subtly, but the undertone, the energy, the intentionality is out there in the world like that,” Moore confirms.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent