overtone

[oh-ver-tohn]

noun

1. Music.,  an acoustical frequency that is higher in frequency than the fundamental.

2. an additional, usually subsidiary and implicit meaning or quality.

   an aesthetic theory with definite political overtones.

   Synonyms: hint, intimation, suggestion, insinuation

overtone

/ ˈəʊvəˌtəʊn /

noun

1. (often plural) additional meaning or nuance

   overtones of despair

2. music acoustics any of the tones, with the exception of the fundamental, that constitute a musical sound and contribute to its quality, each having a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency See also harmonic partial

overtone

1. See under harmonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtone¹

1865–70; translation of German Oberton. See over-, tone

Example Sentences

I reminded her that when the British media coverage of Markle began taking on racist overtones, Kensington Palace took the unusual step of circulating an official statement that came to her defense.

From Salon

Adaptations of King books have been around for decades, but few promise the kind of slow, creeping dread this premise invites and the political overtones of militarized spectacle are hard to miss.

From Los Angeles Times

He lacked the abrasiveness or gruffness found in many metal singers, opting instead for a theatrical melodic yowl with silvery overtones.

From Salon

They're just conforming more to a right-wing vision of proper gender presentation, often one with white supremacist overtones, as the "Jesus glow" effect on hair frequently requires the aid of a bleach bottle.

From Salon

On a more philosophical level, Klaas writes that it’s a “tragic mistake” to believe that “’survival of the fittest’ — with overtones of relentless, flawless optimization” fairly describes evolutionary principles.

From Salon

Related Words

• connotation 
• flavor 
• meaning 
• nuance 
• tone 
• undercurrent 
• undertone