In an undertone
adverb
Speaking very quietly, often to make someone's words difficult for others to hear.
She gave her order to the waiter in an undertone.
Often appears as...
- speak in an undertone
- whisper in an undertone
adverb
Used to describe a color or sound that is not vivid or loud.
The room was painted in an undertone of light pink.
Often appears as...
- color in an undertone
- paint in an undertone
Usage tips
Technical, Artistic
adverb
Speaking very quietly, often to make someone's words difficult for others to hear.
She gave her order to the waiter in an undertone.
Often appears as...
- speak in an undertone
- whisper in an undertone
adverb
Used to describe a color or sound that is not vivid or loud.
The room was painted in an undertone of light pink.
Often appears as...
- color in an undertone
- paint in an undertone
Usage tips
Technical, Artistic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Discreet Conversation
Use 'in an undertone' when characters need to speak without being overheard, indicating secrecy or privacy.
She said in an undertone, 'Don't trust him; he's eavesdropping.'
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Disapproval
'In an undertone' may convey a speaker's disapproval or sarcasm about the discussed subject.
He commented in an undertone, 'That was a brilliant idea, wasn't it?'
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Characters might speak 'in an undertone' to hide strong emotions like anger or excitement.
Furious, she managed to speak in an undertone, 'Leave the room now.'
Pro Tip 1/3Discreet Conversation
Use 'in an undertone' when characters need to speak without being overheard, indicating secrecy or privacy.
She said in an undertone, 'Don't trust him; he's eavesdropping.'
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Disapproval
'In an undertone' may convey a speaker's disapproval or sarcasm about the discussed subject.
He commented in an undertone, 'That was a brilliant idea, wasn't it?'
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Characters might speak 'in an undertone' to hide strong emotions like anger or excitement.
Furious, she managed to speak in an undertone, 'Leave the room now.'
Pro Tip 1/3Discreet Conversation
Use 'in an undertone' when characters need to speak without being overheard, indicating secrecy or privacy.
She said in an undertone, 'Don't trust him; he's eavesdropping.'
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Disapproval
'In an undertone' may convey a speaker's disapproval or sarcasm about the discussed subject.
He commented in an undertone, 'That was a brilliant idea, wasn't it?'
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Characters might speak 'in an undertone' to hide strong emotions like anger or excitement.
Furious, she managed to speak in an undertone, 'Leave the room now.'
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