Undertone

Quick meaning: Undertone is a noun meaning An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.

Meaning

An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.

More Meanings

1. A pale colour, or one seen underneath another colour.
2. A low state of the physical faculties.
3. To accompany as an undertone.
4. To say or speak in an undertone.
5. To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.
6. 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.

Example Sentences

Evan paid no attention to him, and answered none of his hasty undertoned questions.

“He handles that pallet like it was a mule,” McCoy undertoned, passing Mason. Mason grinned and fell in behind.

Undertoning the howling siren I was aware of a distant swish, like that of a hurricane’s forerunning wind through palm fronds.

Sedentary occupations are likely to result in undertone, and this undertone not being relieved by physiological means, constipation is a probable outcome.

Word Forms

• undertones
• undertoning
• undertoned

Synonyms for undertone

Depending on context, synonyms include underhue, de-emphasize, downplay, tinge, undercurrent.

Antonyms for undertone

Common opposites include accent, accentuate, overtone.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include tinge, undercurrent, nuance, twist, tint, hue.

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