overtone

[oh-ver-tohn]

noun

1. Music.,  an acoustical frequency that is higher in frequency than the fundamental.

2. an additional, usually subsidiary and implicit meaning or quality.

   an aesthetic theory with definite political overtones.

   Synonyms: hint, intimation, suggestion, insinuation

overtone

/ ˈəʊvəˌtəʊn /

noun

1. (often plural) additional meaning or nuance

   overtones of despair

2. music acoustics any of the tones, with the exception of the fundamental, that constitute a musical sound and contribute to its quality, each having a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency See also harmonic partial

overtone

1. See under harmonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtone¹

1865–70; translation of German Oberton. See over-, tone

Example Sentences

The religious overtones were unmistakable in Joseph Goebbels’ eulogy:

From Salon

With its religious overtones, “In Whose Name?” nods to the trappings of faith that often surrounded West but also asks something broader about authorship and accountability.

From Los Angeles Times

The song’s closing refrain — “In my life, I love you more” — suggests obvious romantic overtones, as well as a lyrical posture in which the speaker commemorates the all-encompassing power of romantic love.

From Salon

I reminded her that when the British media coverage of Markle began taking on racist overtones, Kensington Palace took the unusual step of circulating an official statement that came to her defense.

From Salon

Adaptations of King books have been around for decades, but few promise the kind of slow, creeping dread this premise invites and the political overtones of militarized spectacle are hard to miss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connotation 
• flavor 
• meaning 
• nuance 
• tone 
• undercurrent 
• undertone