Sekirov Dictionary

undertone

/ˈʌndə(ɹ)təʊn/

noun 4
verb 3
forms 3

noun4

An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.
•
(figurative) 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.
- This context colours the Heidebad incident in darker undertones. — 2026
A pale colour, or one seen underneath another colour.
•
A low state of the physical faculties.
- Sedentary occupations are likely to result in undertone, and this undertone not being relieved by physiological means, constipation is a probable outcome. — 1905

verb3

•
To say or speak in an undertone.
- Evan paid no attention to him, and answered none of his hasty undertoned questions. — 1861
•
To accompany as an undertone.
- The Missionary's address rolled on in choppy Chinook, undertoned by a gentle voice from the back of the room which told Tanook in pure Indian words what he was to do. — 1941
To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.

forms

undertoned · undertoning · undertones

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