CEFR C1

undertone

noun

Meaning

A subtle or underlying quality, feeling, or meaning that is not explicitly stated but is present in a situation or communication.

Examples

The meeting had an undertone of tension that made everyone uncomfortable.
His speech carried an undertone of sarcasm that the audience quickly picked up on.

Synonyms: hint, suggestion, implication, nuance, overtone

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undertone (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈʌndətəʊn/

Definition

A subtle or underlying quality, feeling, or meaning that is not explicitly stated but is present in a situation or communication.

Examples

The meeting had an undertone of tension that made everyone uncomfortable.
His speech carried an undertone of sarcasm that the audience quickly picked up on.
There was a dark undertone to the film that left the viewers feeling uneasy.

Synonyms of undertone

Words with a similar meaning to undertone:

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