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

Explanation

An undertone is literally a muted tone of voice, but it can also refer to an unspoken, implied meaning or emotion: "I thought there were undertones of hostility in her supposed apology." An undertone is a muted color or sound, like the blue undertones in your new gray wallpaper or the undertones of murmured conversations in a busy restaurant. When someone speaks in an undertone, it means that they whisper or talk very softly. You might tell you sister about your dad's surprise party in an undertone, so he doesn't overhear. These days, the word is most commonly used to refer to a subtle or implied meaning in an utterance.

Example Sentences

The building is home to young, midsize tech companies like Wunderkind and Undertone, which have pumped up their own pantries, sometimes making them the centerpiece of the office.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2023

She is a business development manager of Undertone, a digital advertising company in New York.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 2018

Michael Cassidy, founder and chief executive of privately held, 10-year-old display ad platform Undertone agrees, saying the lower valuations and the absence of bellwether buyers have given him room to become an acquirer.

From Reuters • Oct. 28, 2011

Undertone to all Fox gossip was the story that William Fox will again obtain control of his company.

From Time Magazine Archive

The death of Dr. McTeague," wrote the editor of the Commercial and Financial Undertone, a paper which had almost openly advocated the minister's dismissal for five years back, "comes upon us as an irreparable loss.

From Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich by Leacock, Stephen

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent