undercurrent

Plural: undercurrents

Noun

• a subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning
• a current below the surface of a fluid
• A current of water which flows under the surface, and often in a different direction from surface currents.
• A tendency of feeling or opinion that is concealed rather than exposed.

Verb

• To flow under some surface.

Examples

• The meeting was pervaded with an undercurrent of dread, as the managers tried not to admit that firings were looming.

Synonyms

undertide, undertone, rip current, subcurrent, subtext, undertow

Related Words

undertow