Undertone: meaning, definitions and examples

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undertone

[ ˈʌndətəʊn ]

^{Context #1}

musical

A subtle or underlying quality or feeling, often of a particular kind.

Synonyms

subtext, undercurrent

Examples of usage

The music had a dark undertone that added depth to the composition.
There was an undertone of sadness in her voice as she spoke about her past.

^{Context #2}

color

A color that is subtly different from another color.

Synonyms

hint of color, subtle shade

Examples of usage

The painting had a green undertone that gave it a unique hue.
Her hair had a red undertone that shone in the sunlight.

^{Context #3}

communication

An underlying meaning or implication in speech or writing.

Synonyms

hidden meaning, subtext

Examples of usage

His statement had a political undertone that was not immediately apparent.
There was an undertone of sarcasm in her words.

Translations

Translations of the word "undertone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subtom

🇮🇳 अंडरटोन

🇩🇪 Unterton

🇮🇩 nada dasar

🇺🇦 підтекст

🇵🇱 podtekst

🇯🇵 下地の色

🇫🇷 sous-ton

🇪🇸 subtono

🇹🇷 alt ton

🇰🇷 저음

🇸🇦 نغمة خفية

🇨🇿 podtext

🇸🇰 podtón

🇨🇳 底色

🇸🇮 podton

🇮🇸 undirliggjandi tónn

🇰🇿 астыртын үн

🇬🇪 ქვეტექსტი

🇦🇿 alt ton

🇲🇽 subtono

Word origin

The word 'undertone' originated from the combination of 'under' and 'tone'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century. The concept of undertone has been used in various fields such as music, art, and communication to describe subtle or underlying qualities. Over time, 'undertone' has become a versatile term to express nuances and hidden meanings in different contexts.