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Unterton

undertone, subtle implication

noun UN-ter-ton Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

Unterton describes an implicit meaning or emotional colouring beneath the surface of what is said. Ein ironischer Unterton — an ironic undertone. Key in literary and rhetorical analysis; also in everyday speech: da war ein gereizter Unterton in seiner Stimme — there was an irritable undertone in his voice.

Examples

"In ihrer Antwort war ein deutlicher Unterton von Ungeduld zu spüren."

Natural Translation

There was a clear undertone of impatience detectable in her reply.

Literal Translation

In her answer was a clear undertone of impatience to sense.

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