Undertones: meaning, definitions and examples

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undertones

[ ˈʌndərtəʊnz ]

^{Context #1}

music

Subtle or implied qualities or meanings underlying or felt alongside the main theme or explicit meaning of something, especially in music.

Synonyms

implications, subtexts, suggestions

Examples of usage

The song had dark undertones, despite its upbeat melody.
She picked up on the political undertones of the film.

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color

Subdued or muted tones or shades of color, especially in art or design.

Synonyms

hues, shades, tints

Examples of usage

The artist used undertones of blue and green to create a calming atmosphere.
The room was painted in warm undertones to make it feel cozy.

Translations

Translations of the word "undertones" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tons subjacentes

🇮🇳 अंतर्निहित स्वर

🇩🇪 Untertöne

🇮🇩 nada dasar

🇺🇦 підтексти

🇵🇱 podteksty

🇯🇵 アンダートーン

🇫🇷 sous-tons

🇪🇸 matices

🇹🇷 alt tonlar

🇰🇷 미묘한 음조

🇸🇦 نغمات خفية

🇨🇿 podtóny

🇸🇰 podtóny

🇨🇳 潜在色调

🇸🇮 podtoni

🇮🇸 undirliggjandi tónar

🇰🇿 астары

🇬🇪 ქვეტონები

🇦🇿 alttan səslər

🇲🇽 matices

Word origin

The word 'undertones' originated from the Middle English word 'undertonen', meaning 'to sing low', which evolved into its current meaning of subtle or implied qualities. The term has been used in music and art to describe hidden meanings or subdued tones since the late 19th century.

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