How to pronounce undertone
Say it like UHN-der-tohn. Undertone has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce undertone. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- tohn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Undertone pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tohnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of undertone
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: UHN-duh-tohn.
What does undertone mean?
- An auditory tone of low pitch or volume.
- An implicit message perceived subtly alongside, but not detracting noticeably from, the explicit message conveyed in or by a book, film, speech or similar (contrast with overtone); an undercurrent.
- A pale color, or one seen underneath another color.
- To accompany as an undertone.
- To say or speak in an undertone.
- To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.
Where does undertone come from?
From under- + tone.
Questions about saying undertone
How do you pronounce undertone?
Say UHN-der-tohn. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌtoʊn/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌtəʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in undertone?
Undertone has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · tohn.
Is undertone pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌndəˌtəʊn/ (UHN-duh-tohn).