Overtone
noun
An additional, usually subtle quality, aspect, or implication.
There was an overtone of anger in his voice.
Often appears as...
- overtone of anger
- subtle overtone
noun
A higher harmonic produced in addition to the fundamental note of a musical sound.
The violin has a brighter sound due to the stronger overtones.
Often appears as...
- stronger overtones
- harmonic overtones
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A color quality, the presence of one color seen within another, as when a colored light is shone on a white surface.
The painting had a pink overtone that gave it a warm feel.
Often appears as...
- pink overtone
- golden overtone
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An additional, usually subtle quality, aspect, or implication.
There was an overtone of anger in his voice.
Often appears as...
- overtone of anger
- subtle overtone
noun
A higher harmonic produced in addition to the fundamental note of a musical sound.
The violin has a brighter sound due to the stronger overtones.
Often appears as...
- stronger overtones
- harmonic overtones
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A color quality, the presence of one color seen within another, as when a colored light is shone on a white surface.
The painting had a pink overtone that gave it a warm feel.
Often appears as...
- pink overtone
- golden overtone
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Layer
Overtone adds a layer of emotion or attitude to a statement, not just fact.
His compliment had an overtone of sarcasm.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Implication
An overtone is often not direct but suggests something indirectly.
She noticed a threatening overtone in their warning.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Understand the context to accurately identify the overtone.
Despite the apology, there was an overtone of blame.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Layer
Overtone adds a layer of emotion or attitude to a statement, not just fact.
His compliment had an overtone of sarcasm.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Implication
An overtone is often not direct but suggests something indirectly.
She noticed a threatening overtone in their warning.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Understand the context to accurately identify the overtone.
Despite the apology, there was an overtone of blame.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Layer
Overtone adds a layer of emotion or attitude to a statement, not just fact.
His compliment had an overtone of sarcasm.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Implication
An overtone is often not direct but suggests something indirectly.
She noticed a threatening overtone in their warning.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Understand the context to accurately identify the overtone.
Despite the apology, there was an overtone of blame.
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Video examples
The physics of playing...
When we hear one note played with another that has exactly twice its frequency, its first overtone, they sound so harmonious that we assign them the same letter,
Video examples
The physics of playing...
When we hear one note played with another that has exactly twice its frequency, its first overtone, they sound so harmonious that we assign them the same letter,
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Roger Ailes
American Businessman
Anybody who knows me knows that half the time I'm saying things with a somewhat humorous overtone.
Quote examples
Roger Ailes
American Businessman
Anybody who knows me knows that half the time I'm saying things with a somewhat humorous overtone.
Example 1 of 1
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