undercurrent

[uhn-der-kur-uhnt, -kuhr-]

noun

1. a tendency underlying or at variance with the obvious or superficial significance of words, actions, etc..

   Even in his friendliest remarks, one could sense an undercurrent of hostility.

2. a current, as of air or water, that flows below the upper currents or surface.

undercurrent

/ ˈʌndəˌkʌrənt /

noun

1. a current that is not apparent at the surface or lies beneath another current

2. an opinion, emotion, etc, lying beneath apparent feeling or meaning

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercurrent¹

First recorded in 1675–85; under- + current

Example Sentences

Although the label is itself lighthearted, its popularity points to a rising undercurrent of fatigue and frustration.

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It’s possible to miss some of the dramatic undercurrents gripping the stock market right now by looking only at the surface.

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This undercurrent of perceived risks to banks continues to be a drag on stock prices of regional banks.

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There may be an undercurrent of gossip, like the hints of discord between Affleck and Leavitt, but nothing that curdles our mood.

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Having grown up “in the shadow of 9/11,” he knew “what it means to live with an undercurrent of suspicion.”

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Related Words

• atmosphere 
• aura 
• crosscurrent 
• feeling 
• hint 
• inclination 
• indication 
• intimation 
• murmur 
• overtone 
• sense 
• tinge 
• undertone 
• undertow 

When To Use

What is an undercurrent?

An undercurrent is a flow of water or air that moves below the highest current or the surface.Undercurrent is more often used figuratively to mean a tendency underlying or at odds with what’s on the surface, as in While the two candidates smiled and shook hands, everyone in the room could feel the undercurrent of aggression between them.Example: The undercurrent at the beach today was so strong, I worried it was going to carry me out to sea!