| 释义 |
undertone
I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun
Etymology: under (III) + tone
1.
a. : a low or subdued utterance
< gossiping in a corner in undertones >
b. : an underlying or accompanying sound
< undertone of droning insects >
c. : combination tone
2.
a. : a subdued or implicit emotional quality underlying the surface of an utterance or action
< sneering and malicious undertone on nearly every page — John Morris >
< uneasiness in Paris had deeper undertones of fear — Atlantic >
b. : the underlying tendency of a market as distinguished from its behavior at any one time
< despite a weak start, utilities displayed a strong undertone in today's session >
3. : a subdued color: as
a. : the color of a pigment thinly laid on a white or light-colored ground
b. : a color seen through and modifying another or other colors
c. : the color of the light transmitted (as by a paint or varnish film) — compare overtone 2
II. transitive verb
: to express in an undertone |