What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subtone
Example
She spoke in a subtone so as not to wake the baby. [subtone: noun]
Example
The subtone of his message was one of disappointment. [subtone: adjective]
undertone
Example
There was an undertone of sadness in her voice. [undertone: noun]
Example
The article had an undertone of criticism towards the government. [undertone: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Undertone is more commonly used than subtone in everyday language. Undertone is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while subtone is less common and refers to specific contexts such as music or sound engineering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subtone and undertone?
Both subtone and undertone are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversations. However, undertone is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
