51Թ

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undertone

[ uhn-der-tohn ]

noun

  1. a low or subdued tone:

    to speak in undertones.

  2. an unobtrusive or background sound:

    an undertone of static from the receiver.

  3. an underlying quality or element; undercurrent:

    There was an undertone of regret in his refusal.

  4. a subdued color; a color modified by an underlying color.


undertone

/ ˈʌԻəˌəʊ /

noun

  1. a quiet or hushed tone of voice
  2. an underlying tone or suggestion in words or actions

    his offer has undertones of dishonesty

  3. a pale or subdued colour
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of undertone1

First recorded in 1800–10; under- + tone
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She continues: “The almonds add a touch of sweetness that helps cut through some of the heat from the chiles, while the peanuts add a buttery undertone to the dish.”

From

At the same time, Young said, his anecdote about family graveyards and homeland suggests another political tendency - a "disturbing undertone of nativism".

From

With crackling pastoral language and thematic Lynchian undertones, “Swamplandia!” probed the growing tension in Russell’s home state of Florida between an endangered fecund wilderness and encroaching development.

From

Alluding to Paul’s rise in power is imagery steeped in religious undertones.

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This unfamiliarity, combined with the song’s political undertones, made parts of the audience uncomfortable, fueling the backlash.

From

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