The term undertone has several related meanings:
A quiet or subdued tone of voice.
This refers to speaking softly or in a hushed manner, conveying subtlety in sound.
An underlying tone or suggestion in words or actions.
An undertone can imply a hidden meaning or feeling behind someone's speech or behavior that is not explicitly stated.
A pale or subdued color or sound.
This meaning often applies to visual or auditory contexts where something appears faint or muted.
For further details, visit the Collins Dictionary undertone entry.
"Undertone: a quiet or hushed tone of voice; an underlying tone or suggestion in words or actions; a pale or subdued color or sound."
This shows how undertone captures subtlety in tone, meaning, or hue, highlighting nuances behind surface appearances or expressions.