undercurrent

[US]/'ʌndəkʌr(ə)nt/
[UK]/'ʌndɚ'kɝənt/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. hidden or underlying flow of emotions, influences, or tendencies

Example Sentences

There was an undercurrent of tension in the room.

The undercurrent of suspicion between them was palpable.

She sensed an undercurrent of excitement in the crowd.

An undercurrent of discontent was brewing among the employees.

The undercurrent of rivalry between the two teams was intense.

There's an undercurrent of sadness in her eyes.

The undercurrent of fear in the community was palpable.

An undercurrent of excitement ran through the audience as the concert began.

The undercurrent of corruption in the company eventually led to its downfall.

There's an undercurrent of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election.

Real-world Examples

There was an undercurrent to his question that I didn't understand.

Source: Twilight: Eclipse

You don't want to say: Go ... away and break the undercurrent of your voice.

Source: New Oriental American English Pronunciation Secrets

He did not observe her approach, and she stood close to him, and heard his undercurrent of song.

Source: Returning Home

There was an uncomfortable undercurrent to what he was trying to persuade me of.

Source: Me Before You

On the emotional level, there will be an undercurrent of unease, tension, boredom, or nervousness.

Source: The Power of Now

It has this kind of undercurrent of like a honey flavor.

Source: Kitchen Deliciousness Competition

More fundamental, perhaps, than any experience is the undercurrent of peace that has never left me since then.

Source: The Power of Now

His prose still possesses a quiet charm and delightful undercurrent of kindly humor.

Source: Southwest Associated University English Textbook

An undercurrent of opposition filled Amy's heart.

Source: Pan Pan

Now, however, with heightened intensity, considerable energy is devoted, to competing for position and a definite undercurrent of competition permeates the relationship.

Source: CET-6 Listening Past Exam Questions (with Translations)

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