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undercurrent

un·der·cur·rent
U u

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [uhn-der-kur-uh nt, -kuhr-]
    • /ˈʌn dərˌkɜr ənt, -ˌkʌr-/
    • /ˈʌn.dəˌkʌr.ənt/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [uhn-der-kur-uh nt, -kuhr-]
    • /ˈʌn dərˌkɜr ənt, -ˌkʌr-/

Definitions of undercurrent word

  • noun undercurrent 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. 1
  • noun undercurrent a current, as of air or water, that flows below the upper currents or surface. 1
  • noun undercurrent subtle suggestion 1
  • noun undercurrent water, air: current below surface 1
  • noun undercurrent subtle suggestion of sth 1
  • countable noun undercurrent If there is an undercurrent of a feeling, you are hardly aware of the feeling, but it influences the way you think or behave. 0

Information block about the term

Origin of undercurrent

First appearance:

before 1675
One of the 48% oldest English words
First recorded in 1675-85; under- + current

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Undercurrent

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

undercurrent popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 66% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

undercurrent usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for undercurrent

noun undercurrent

  • maelstrom — a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool.
  • current — A current is a steady and continuous flowing movement of some of the water in a river, lake, or sea.
  • whirlpool — water in swift, circular motion, as that produced by the meeting of opposing currents, often causing a downward spiraling action.

Top questions with undercurrent

  • what does undercurrent mean?
  • what is an undercurrent?
  • what is undercurrent?

See also

Matching words

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