undertone
2
5.8
- noun
- /ˈʌndərˌtoʊn/
:
voz baja
- People with glowing cigarettes formed groups in the surrounding semi-darkness and conversed in undertones.
- say in an undertone
- speak in an undertone
- talk in an undertone
Examples
-
Murray was there, and said in an amused undertone, "The guest of honor, Annabelle's poet."
Fiction book (1990) -
"You know better than to use real names," he replied, also whispering, but with an undertone that brooked no argument.
Fiction book (1991) -
"What are you going to do?" Now his voice is low, with a sad undertone.
Fiction book (2001) -
Calling out her name in an embarrassed undertone, he made his way along an abandoned path.
Fiction book (2002) -
Weller said in an undertone, "Lieutenant, we can't afford to rush."
Fiction book (1995) -
"Deliver her soul, O Lord," he prayed in an undertone, then caught Eddie around the shoulders with one beefy arm.
Fiction book (1999) -
As they watch, Kirk and Spock move down the corridor and confer in an undertone.
Fiction book (1991) -
"Ye've made the arrangements?" I heard Dougal say in an undertone to Rupert, as they tethered the beasts.
Fiction book (1991) -
Inside, a knot of people—late-night deliverymen, a cop, the store employees—talk in undertones at the counter.
Fiction book (2000) -
"I heard her whispering in a undertone, so I leaned in closer to catch what she was saying."
Synonyms
110
1.0
A very quiet way of speaking using only breath
2
9.8
To speak quietly so others do not hear
In a soft, quiet voice so only a few people hear
To say something in a very quiet voice so other people cannot hear
How Quiet
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Undertone comes from the parts under- ('below') and tone ('sound'), so it literally means a sound said 'below' the normal voice, which is why an undertone is a quiet, hushed voice not meant for everyone to hear.