undertone

American  

[uhn-der-tohn] / ˈʌn dərˌtoʊn /

noun

1. a low or subdued tone.

   to speak in undertones.

2. an unobtrusive or background sound.

   an undertone of static from the receiver.

3. an underlying quality or element; undercurrent.

   There was an undertone of regret in his refusal.

4. a subdued color; a color modified by an underlying color.

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undertone British  

/ ˈʌndəˌtəʊn /

noun

1. a quiet or hushed tone of voice

2. an underlying tone or suggestion in words or actions

   his offer has undertones of dishonesty

3. a pale or subdued colour

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Etymology

Origin of undertone

First recorded in 1800–10; under- + tone

Example Sentences

He appeared on the soundtrack to Dhurandhar, a movie released last year, the political undertones of which were not well received in Pakistan where the film is banned.

From BBC

"And what she will say to me for bringing him home in this state . . ." he added in an undertone.

From Literature

In the history of Musk, meanwhile, an odd undertone entered the conversation this week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her creations give nods to nature, at times skew extraterrestrial, and have Afro-futuristic undertones.

From Los Angeles Times

The visual gags that are part of Jake’s physical travails not only elicit chuckles but add a neurodivergent undertone to the story.

From Salon

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent