subtext

American  

[suhb-tekst] / ˈsʌbˌtɛkst /

noun

1. the underlying or implicit meaning, as of a literary work.

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subtext British  

/ ˈsʌbˌtɛkst /

noun

1. an underlying theme in a piece of writing

2. a message which is not stated directly but can be inferred

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Other Word Forms

• subtextual adjective

Etymology

Origin of subtext

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

Example Sentences

His version of the number, expertly balancing camp with sincerity, was a complete delight — and utterly devoid of sinister subtext.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet the subtext is less important than the surface: The movie is simply a witless bore.

From The Wall Street Journal

All this and a subtext of relationships among the leading artists of the period.

From The Wall Street Journal

The subtext: The judge didn’t need to impose harsh penalties; the market would take care of itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

She became so important to me because I had largely built her out of subtext and this private part of her that mostly the audience was my biggest confidant.”

From Los Angeles Times