subcurrent

American  

[suhb-kur-uhnt, -kuhr-] / ˈsʌbˌkɜr ənt, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

1. a not clearly revealed or formulated direction of thought, intention, action, etc., underlying what is manifested.

   His words, though ostensibly friendly, betrayed a subcurrent of hostility.

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Etymology

Origin of subcurrent

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + current

Example Sentences

As a text, it hints at the subcurrent of popular culture that flows beneath our greatest literature.

From The Guardian • Oct. 29, 2012

The old myth of age to youth and the subcurrent of sin with its stalking, laughing, subtle Mephistopheles.

From The Blind Spot by Hall, Austin

She talked volubly, and with just that pitch in her voice that betrays a subcurrent of excitement.

From Gordon Keith by Page, Thomas Nelson

The Rhine—romantic, cultivated, artificial, with a rough subcurrent and a muddy bed—through Germany.

From The Sowers by Merriman, Henry Seton

There was a subcurrent of excitement in her voice, and the night seemed to grow more still as she went on speaking.

From Sunlight Patch by Harris, Credo Fitch