undertone noun - Meaning and Usage

Undertone noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and examples

An undertone is a feeling, quality, or meaning that is not directly stated but can be understood from someone's words or actions.

The politician's speech had an undertone of criticism, even though they did not openly express it.

An undertone often adds subtle color or nuance beneath the surface meaning—offering a hidden or implied message.

This definition highlights how undertones convey implicit meaning through tone rather than explicit words or statements.

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — 2025-11-29