An undertone is a subtle or underlying quality, feeling, or attitude that influences someone's behavior or actions. It can also refer to a low-pitched musical note that supports and enhances other notes in a chord.
Usage examples
She spoke with an undertone of anger, though her words remained polite.
The painting had a subtle undertone of melancholy, despite its vibrant colors.
His compliments had a flirtatious undertone that made her feel uneasy.
The author's writing had a constant undertone of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
There was an undertone of fear in her voice as she recounted the events of the accident.
The political debate had an undertone of tension, as both candidates tried to make their arguments more compelling.
The song had an undertone of nostalgia, reminding listeners of their past experiences.
The movie had a dark undertone, exploring the protagonist's inner struggles and hardships.
The teacher's smile had an undertone of disappointment, indicating that she was not satisfied with the students' performance.
Although her words were kind, there was an undertone of sarcasm that hinted at her true feelings.
This romantic shade works well for a lot of people, but be wary if you have a skin hue with undertones of yellow or green, as this shade is likely to make you look seasick! (thestore.com)
Warm undertones of Blue, Gray, Navy and Sangre (Red). (pantone.com)
Cool tones never looked quite right on me and I discovered I was actually a warm toned girl with yellow undertones in my skin! (thestyleventure.com)