Undertone: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
• Shakespeare’s plays are often studied for their hidden meanings.