Noun
der Unterton
Pronunciation: /ˈʊntɐˌtoːn/
undertone, undercurrent (subtle and implicit message contained in an explicit message)
C2
rank #14,906
plural Untertöne
Meanings
Noun
- undertone, undercurrent (subtle and implicit message contained in an explicit message)
- subharmonic
Example sentence
In seiner Stimme lag ein spöttischer Unterton.
There was a mocking undertone in his voice.
Word forms
singular
der Unterton
plural
die Untertöne
The four cases
Singular
Nominativeder Unterton
Accusativeden Unterton
Dativedem Unterton
Genitivedes Untertons
Plural
Nominativedie Untertöne
Accusativedie Untertöne
Dativeden Untertönen
Genitiveder Untertöne
Usage
- mit einem ironischen Unterton — with an implicit note of irony
- Unterton / Ton — a subtle implied attitude versus the overt tone or sound
Sein Lob hatte einen kaum hörbaren Unterton von Spott.
His praise had a barely audible undertone of mockery.