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

The brown butter lends a nutty undertone and caramel depth, a quiet bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

And that adds a particularly tragic undertone to the coming persecution of the capital’s homeless people: Studies show that most homeless people were residents before they lost their homes.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025

Will that just be a dark undertone of the night or will anyone speak up more forcefully?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2025

“I imagine your ink would just freeze now,” Yishan said with a slight undertone of annoyance.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Related Words

• connotation
• overtone
• tinge
• undercurrent