undertone
nounUK /ˈʌndətəʊn/
US /ˈʌndərtoʊn/
A quiet feeling or meaning that is hidden under what someone says or does.
There was an undertone of sadness in her voice.
SYNONYMS
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A pale or soft color seen beneath another color.
The walls were painted white with a warm pink undertone.
3. A low, quiet sound that continues in the background.
We could hear the undertone of the river as we walked.
4. A hidden quality or character that is not openly shown.
The meeting had an undertone of tension from the start.