undertone

American  

[uhn-der-tohn] / ˈʌn dərˌtoʊn /

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.

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undertone British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of undertone

First recorded in 1800–10; under- + tone

Example Sentences

In the history of Musk, meanwhile, an odd undertone entered the conversation this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

"There was a sinister undertone and it was difficult to build rapport," she wrote in a statement.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

And that adds a particularly tragic undertone to the coming persecution of the capital’s homeless people: Studies show that most homeless people were residents before they lost their homes.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025

She continues: “The almonds add a touch of sweetness that helps cut through some of the heat from the chiles, while the peanuts add a buttery undertone to the dish.”

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2025

“Of course, he can’t really play anything,” Francis said in a sympathetic undertone.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent