undercurrentnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈʌn.dəˌkʌr.ənt/us/ˈʌn.dɚˌkɝː.ənt/an emotion, belief, or characteristic of a situation that is hidden and usually negative or dangerous but that has some effect:
undercurrents of racism/anxiety/violence
Beneath the smooth surface of political life, there are powerful and dangerous undercurrents.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Conditions and characteristics
- -ance
- -ancy
- ability
- ambience
- attribute
- character
- complexion
- condition
- detail
- feature
- hallmark
- karma
- lineament
- local colour
- middle name
- mien
- nature
- resonate
- smack
- tenor
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