undercurrent

American  

[uhn-der-kur-uhnt, -kuhr-] / ˈʌn dərˌkɜr ənt, -ˌkʌr- /

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.

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undercurrent British  

/ 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

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Usage

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!

Etymology

Origin of undercurrent

First recorded in 1675–85; under- + current

Explanation

An undercurrent is a mood or atmosphere just below the surface, like the undercurrent of anxiety in your school during final exams. The figurative meaning of undercurrent is more common than its literal definition, "an ocean current that runs beneath the surface of the water." Another word for this kind of undercurrent is a "subsurface current." When most of us use the word undercurrent, however, we're talking about a general state of mind, something that subtly influences the way people feel, like the undercurrent of suspense running through a good horror movie.

Example Sentences

That was revealed in an undercover video obtained by Lauren Windsor, host of the web show "The Undercurrent" and executive director of American Family Voices, a liberal advocacy group.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2021

It was produced by Lauren Windsor of the Undercurrent, which calls itself “a grassroots political web-show for investigative and field reporting.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021

According to Undercurrent News, a publication that tracks the peaks and valleys in the fish market, fish processors are under fire to work down bulging inventories.

From Washington Times • Feb. 18, 2015

Phone call with potential investor Josh Spear, founder of Undercurrent, a consultancy.

From Forbes • Feb. 13, 2013

Undercurrent, un′dėr-kur-ent, n. a current under the surface of the water: any influence or feeling not apparent on the surface.—adj. running below or unseen.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Related Words

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