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View synonyms for undercurrent

undercurrent

[ uhn-der-kur-uhnt, -kuhr- ]

noun

  1. a tendency underlying or at variance with the obvious or superficial significance of words, actions, etc.:

    Even in his friendliest remarks, one could sense an undercurrent of hostility.

  2. a current, as of air or water, that flows below the upper currents or surface.


undercurrent

/ ˈʌndəˌkʌrənt /

noun

  1. a current that is not apparent at the surface or lies beneath another current
  2. an opinion, emotion, etc, lying beneath apparent feeling or meaning
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of undercurrent1

First recorded in 1675–85; under- + current
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Example Sentences

Even the most aggressive prosecution of some of the militia groups’ members won’t stamp out the extremist undercurrents which span dozens of loosely organized groups that mainly converge online.

From TIme

In the trailer to the new live-action film, de Vil once again embodies this undercurrent of madness.

An undercurrent running through opposition to his nomination was Becerra’s leadership in recent years of a coalition of Democratic attorneys general fighting to preserve the ACA.

A good example of that runs as an undercurrent through this article.

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.

His voice is quiet, melodic, and often tinged with an undercurrent of mirth.

The religious undercurrent in soccer runs especially deep in World Cup years.

“There is a serious undercurrent here,” said Gardner, between sips from her tumbler.

The uproar shed light on the undercurrent of suspicion and distrust between the Obama and Clinton camps.

This may account for the sociological undercurrent of his work.

All through the sad duties of the next four days Felipe was conscious of the undercurrent of this premonition.

"You are singularly concerned in this man's life," said he, an odious undercurrent of meaning in his voice.

To tell you the truth, I have never put that undercurrent of consciousness into words until to-night.

He was a fizzle and a stick, he knew it, he knew nothing else, and there is an undercurrent of bitterness in him.

Jane discovered in Sophy and in Frances an undercurrent of positive affection that set from her child to her.

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More About Undercurrent

What is an undercurrent?

An undercurrent is a flow of water or air that moves below the highest current or the surface.

Undercurrent is more often used figuratively to mean a tendency underlying or at odds with what’s on the surface, as in While the two candidates smiled and shook hands, everyone in the room could feel the undercurrent of aggression between them.

Example: The undercurrent at the beach today was so strong, I worried it was going to carry me out to sea!

Where does undercurrent come from?

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.

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What are some synonyms for undercurrent?

What are some words that share a root or word element with undercurrent

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How is undercurrent used in real life?

Undercurrent is frequently used in its literal sense in discussions about water or weather. It is also often used figuratively, especially when the speaker thinks someone is hiding their true intentions.

Try using undercurrent!

Is undercurrent used correctly in the following sentence?

Did I sense an undercurrent of disdain in his comments about inclusivity in the workplace?

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