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

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

When Nacua was informed of the undertone of the celebration he practiced with Ross, he apologized.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From BBC

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent