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Undertone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽต
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undertone

[หˆสŒndษ™tษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

musical

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

Synonyms

subtext, undercurrent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undertone

This is a duplicate entry and shouldn't be included in the final list.
undercurrent

Best used to describe a hidden or less obvious feeling or tendency, often negative or dangerous, running beneath the surface of a situation or conversation.

  • There was an undercurrent of tension during the meeting.
  • Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was an undercurrent of distrust among the team.
subtext

Applicable when indicating the hidden or underlying message in communication, literature, or other art forms. It's often more implicit than explicit.

  • The subtext of the conversation was that she wasn't happy with the decision.
  • The movie's subtext deals with themes of loneliness and belonging.

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 | Noun

color

A color that is subtly different from another color.

Synonyms

hint of color, subtle shade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undertone

When talking about a color that is mixed with another base color to create a more complex hue, often used in makeup, fashion, or interior design.

  • The lipstick has an undertone of brown that makes it suitable for autumn wear.
  • The neutral paint has an undertone of grey, giving it a modern look.
hint of color

When describing a small or faint presence of a color, usually in contexts of art, makeup, or fashion.

  • The sky had just a hint of color as the sun began to set.
  • Her lips had a hint of color, making them look naturally pink.
subtle shade

When discussing slight differences in color that are not immediately obvious, often in artistic, design, or descriptive contexts.

  • The artist used a subtle shade of blue to give depth to the background.
  • Her dress was a subtle shade of green that complemented her eyes.

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 | Noun

communication

An underlying meaning or implication in speech or writing.

Synonyms

hidden meaning, subtext.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undertone

Use 'undertone' when referring to a subtle or underlying quality that is not immediately obvious. This term is often used in situations where there is a secondary meaning or sentiment under the surface.

  • The compliment had an undertone of sarcasm.
  • Despite his kind words, the undertone of his voice suggested otherwise.
subtext

This word is best used when referring to an underlying and implicit meaning beneath the literal text, often used in literature, theater, or communication to convey deeper truths or emotional undercurrents.

  • The subtext of the conversation was clear to everyone who knew them both.
  • In the movie, the subtext revealed themes of loss and redemption.
hidden meaning

This is suitable when you want to indicate that there is a concealed message or significance that is not immediately apparent. It can be used in literature, conversations, or messages where the true meaning needs to be deciphered.

  • The letter contained a hidden meaning that only she could understand.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays are often studied for their hidden meanings.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, authors use undertones to convey deeper meanings, allowing readers to detect emotions or themes that aren't explicitly stated.
  • Shakespeare frequently employed undertones in his plays, providing complex emotions and moral dilemmas within seemingly straightforward dialogue.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study undertones in communication to understand underlying emotions that drive people's actions, often leading to more meaningful interactions.
  • Undertones can reveal a person's true feelings, even if their words are neutral or positive, influencing social dynamics and relationships.

Art

  • In visual arts, undertones refer to the subtle hues underlying a painting, which can significantly affect the overall mood and perception of the artwork.
  • Artists like Claude Monet used undertones in their color palettes to create depth and emotion, inviting viewers to feel the atmosphere of the scene.

Music

  • In music, undertones can create a richer sound, with background instruments or harmonies supporting the lead melody and enhancing the overall experience.
  • The concept of undertones in sound can also apply to vocals, where a singer's tone might carry emotional subtleties that resonate with the audience.

Origin of 'undertone'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the 18th century, combining 'under' (meaning below) and 'tone' (referring to sound), suggesting something subtle beneath the surface.
  • In its early uses, 'undertone' often described the softer sounds accompanying a stronger tone, reflecting its connection to sound and music.

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.

See also: intone, monotone, overtone, overtones, ton, tonality, toned, toner, tones, toning, undertones.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,006, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.