Definition

A subtle or hidden quality or meaning that is not immediately obvious, often found in speech or art.

Example

The artist used a warm undertone in the painting to evoke a sense of comfort.

Conversation

I love how this painting has such a warm undertone.

Yeah, it makes the whole room feel cozy.

Exactly! It really brings out the other colors too.

For sure, it adds a nice depth to the artwork.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undertone → It is formed from "under-" (meaning beneath or below) and "tone" (from Old English "ton", meaning sound or tone). The word "undertone" refers to a subtle or underlying quality of sound or meaning that is beneath the surface.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has a sound or quality that is 'beneath' the main one — 'under-' means beneath, and 'tone' refers to sound. This helps you remember that an undertone is a subtle quality that lies below the surface.

Visually Confused Words