The document defines the term undercurrent as a hidden feeling or belief that affects outcomes. It provides the etymology of the word and discusses its literal meanings in meteorology and oceanography and its figurative usage to refer to a hidden true meaning. Several examples are given to illustrate how undercurrent is used.
The document defines the term undercurrent as a hidden feeling or belief that affects outcomes. It provides the etymology of the word and discusses its literal meanings in meteorology and oceanography and its figurative usage to refer to a hidden true meaning. Several examples are given to illustrate how undercurrent is used.
The document defines the term undercurrent as a hidden feeling or belief that affects outcomes. It provides the etymology of the word and discusses its literal meanings in meteorology and oceanography and its figurative usage to refer to a hidden true meaning. Several examples are given to illustrate how undercurrent is used.
The document defines the term undercurrent as a hidden feeling or belief that affects outcomes. It provides the etymology of the word and discusses its literal meanings in meteorology and oceanography and its figurative usage to refer to a hidden true meaning. Several examples are given to illustrate how undercurrent is used.
— /ˈʌndəkʌrənt/, /ˈʌndərkɜːrənt/ a n; a feeling or belief especially a negative one, that is hidden but whose effects are felt. — The first records of the term undercurrent come from around 1675. It combines the prefix under–, used to indicate place or situation below or beneath, and the term current, which describes a flow or stream. In most cases, water and wind currents flow with the warmest on top and coolest on the bottom. Because of this, an undercurrent is usually colder than those above it. Undercurrents are often talked about in meteorology and oceanography. The undercurrent of a storm may cause a cold front to come in, for example. When used figuratively, an undercurrent refers to a true significance or meaning of words that differ from what they seem to mean. For example, two people could say that they want to be friends while the undercurrent to their words is to make a business deal.
Collocations: — You can/could sense/detect/feel an undercurrent of resentment/criticism/blame/shame/embarrassment/unease/anxiety/worry/nervous energy/nervousness/uncertainty/melancholy/frustration/fear/dread/pain/sadness/dissatisfaction/disappointment/despair/madness/bitterness/disdain/ aggression/superstition/racism/misogyny/discrimination/xenophobia/homophobia
Examples to get a better feel of how it’s used:
He sensed an undercurrent of resentment among the crowd. Longman I detect an undercurrent of resentment towards the new proposals. Oxford His voice is quiet, melodic, and often tinged with an undercurrent of mirth. Collins Even in his friendliest remarks, one could sense an undercurrent of hostility. Collins Yet I couldn’t help hearing an undercurrent of sadness and anxiety. New York Times Despite the losing streak, there is an undercurrent of hope within the team. Dictionary She didn’t bother to hide the undercurrent of annoyance. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas Did I sense an undercurrent of disdain in his comments about inclusivity in the workplace? Dictionary We have become quite accustomed to an undercurrent of criticism of our large grocery chains. Collins And yet all these many years later, an undercurrent of blame and shame surrounded my mother. Salon Though her tone was calm, there was an undercurrent of tension in her words. Huntress by Malinda Lo For many people, there is just a really strong undercurrent of anxiety that runs through their life. Collins Beneath the smooth surface of political life, there are powerful and dangerous undercurrents. Cambridge Amid the warm feelings at the Huntington Park holiday parade, there was an undercurrent of discord. M-W In the trailer to the new live-action film, de Vil once again embodies this undercurrent of madness. Dictionary The uproar shed light on the undercurrent of suspicion and distrust between the Obama and Clinton camps. Collins There is an undercurrent of suspicion and even hostility in the military for their new commander-in-chief. Cambridge Jasper’s voice sounded calm, but there was an undercurrent of something I couldn’t identify. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer The meeting was pervaded with an undercurrent of dread, as the managers tried not to admit that firings were looming. Wiktionary When he spoke his words were respectful, but there was the undercurrent of a sneer in his voice. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham Whether or not those qualities are enough to find true love is something else again, and there is a strong undercurrent of sadness in the film. Collins That’s not a small consolation, especially considering there has been an undercurrent of worry here in Florida about whether Brady and Arians are meshing. Collins Sources suggest that there might also be a strong undercurrent of resentment over the huge salary imbalance between Chinese and Japanese workers at the same plants. Collins Her voice was cold and crackled like ice, but there was an undercurrent of pain in it, running deep beneath the surface, causing her anger to rupture and break. The Reader by Traci Chee Although he speaks softly in the unhurried cadence of the American West, his voice has an edge, and the set of his jaw betrays an undercurrent of nervous energy. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
