THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
undertone
noun
A subtle quality, feeling, or suggestion beneath the main meaning; also a low tone of voice.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
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Examples in context
Her otherwise cheerful message carried an undertone of concern.
In a second discussion, the presenter made a caustic remark about the committee's planning skills, turning a legitimate concern into a cutting personal jab. His sardonic comment that another delay was exactly what the project needed conveyed bitter mockery rather than sincere approval. Beneath his later polite words, an undertone of resentment remained noticeable in the emphasis he placed on certain names.
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Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
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Listening Beneath the CriticismReading 2 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
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This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: 12, 19.
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