undertone

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.
2. (countable, uncountable) An implicit message perceived subtly alongside, but not detracting noticeably from, the explicit message conveyed in or by a book, film, speech or similar (contrast with overtone); an undercurrent.
3. (countable, uncountable) A pale colour, or one seen underneath another colour.
4. (countable, uncountable) A low state of the physical faculties.

Verb

1. To accompany as an undertone.
2. To say or speak in an undertone.
3. To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.

Opposite of

overtone

Synonyms

tinge

tint

tone

hue

undercurrent

tincture

chromaticity

low tone

color

paint

undertint

pale

pigment

pigmentation

implication

cast

whisper

colour

sluggish

spin

susurration

touch

trace

undertow

weakness

whispering

light-colored

basetone

lightish

air

bass

diluted colour

coloration

colouration

connotation

dullness

flavour

ghost

👻

hint

inactive

key

🔑

low-key

note

prompt

quietly

ring

💍

shade

slack

slow

Translations

voz baja

Konnotation

connotazione

fısıltı

Unterton

connotation

Beiklang

Beigeschmack

matís

Nebenbedeutung

tiefer Ton

χαμηλή φωνή

χαμηλός τόνος

συνεπακολουθία

Assoziation

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈʌndə(ɹ)təʊn/

Etymology

From under- + tone.