undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

2

: a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

Examples of undertone in a Sentence

She commented in an undertone that the music was really not very good.

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

The fabric is a rich brown color with undertones of red.

Recent Examples on the Web

Andy Zhong, the mill’s marketing director, said the subtle copper undertones add warmth and richness to the fabrics, which cater to various garment styles, offering both rigid and stretch options. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 July 2024

At intervals, Almaguer allows the fluid and malleable undertones coursing through her feet to affect her torso, folding at the waist or taking these sensations into outstretched arms, somewhat reminiscent of Ian Berg, once a staple of this festival. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2024

Butter yellow is the color of the season, and the ivory undertones look great on all skin tones. —Holly Carter, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

But my favorite shades in the line fall more in the middle; Prada Beauty has aced the undertones of hard-to-pull-off lip colors like peach, taupe, and auburn to make your next statement lip look, well, more of a statement. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or quiet tone

2

: a faint color as seen through and changing another color