Undercurrent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An undercurrent is a hidden or subtle flow of water beneath the surface, or an underlying feeling, trend, or influence that is not immediately obvious but affects a situation.
Definition:
A hidden or underlying feeling, influence, or trend, often contrary to the surface appearance.
Synonyms:
undertone, underflow, subcurrent, hidden trend
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
overtone, surface trend
Common Collocations:
strong undercurrent, dangerous undercurrent, political undercurrent, emotional undercurrent
Derivatives:
undercurrents (plural), undercurrented (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "undercurrent" to describe subtle influences or feelings beneath obvious situations, like tension in a conversation or hidden trends in society.
Common Phrases:
undercurrent of tension, undercurrent of emotion, undercurrent of change
Etymology:
From "under" + "current," first used in the early 19th century to describe hidden water flows or figurative trends.
Examples:
- 1. There was an undercurrent of excitement in the crowd before the concert began.
- 2. The calm discussion had an undercurrent of anger no one acknowledged.
- 3. She sensed an undercurrent of sadness beneath his cheerful words.
- 4. The novel explores the dark undercurrents of small-town life.