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 Word Forms

• subtextual adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtext¹

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

Example Sentences

If you saw them, you may have missed the antimaterialist subtext, or the sweet, thoughtful person inside the performer.

From Los Angeles Times

The spirit is faithful; the subtext is fresh.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a satirical subtext here that wasn’t present in her earlier earnest fantasies.

From Los Angeles Times

The subtext being, 'go ask somebody who can answer it'.

From BBC

The racist subtext is never hard to spot.

From Salon