undertone

[uhn-der-tohn]

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.

undertone

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of undertone¹

First recorded in 1800–10; under- + tone

Example Sentences

Along with a religious undertone, "they are what get people through the dark time", she explains.

Read more on BBC

Meanwhile, John Lewis’s festive advert explores masculinity and emotion, leading some analysts to suggest it has undertones of one the year's biggest TV shows, Netflix drama Adolescence.

Read more on BBC

"There was a sinister undertone and it was difficult to build rapport," she wrote in a statement.

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Co-written and directed by Rebecca Zlotowski with comic undertones, it’s a caper about an American therapist living in France who suspects she hasn’t been told the truth about a patient’s demise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He had also made several statements over the years that were interpreted as having political undertones.

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Related Words

• connotation 
• overtone 
• tinge 
• undercurrent