WordValeovertone
an implied but unstated meaning
In more detail
1. (noun) a quality or feeling that is suggested indirectly, even though it is not stated directly
2. (noun) a higher frequency sound that combines with the main note produced by a musical instrument or voice
Examples
- Her comment had critical overtones, suggesting she disagreed without saying so directly.
- The violin produces rich overtones that give it a warm, complex sound.
How to use overtone
Overtone primarily refers to an implied or indirect quality, mood, or meaning in communication, often with a subtle or negative edge (political overtones, ominous overtones). In music and acoustics, it denotes the higher harmonic frequencies above the fundamental frequency. The term suggests something present but not explicit, making it useful for discussing subtext or atmosphere.
Common phrases
- political overtones
- sexual overtones
- racist overtones
- carry overtones
- have overtones of
Synonyms
undertone · implication · suggestion · hint · nuance
Word family
overtone (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse overtone with undertone; both describe implied meanings, but undertone is more about suppressed emotion or a barely perceptible quality, while overtone is about a discernible but indirect quality that colors perception.
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