overtone
UK: ˈəʊvətəʊn | US: ˈoʊvərtoʊn
n. a subtle or subsidiary quality, implication, or connotation
n. (Music) a harmonic frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency
The word "overtone" combines "over" (from Old English "ofer," meaning "above") and "tone" (from Latin "tonus," meaning "sound" or "pitch"). In music, overtones are higher-frequency sounds that resonate above the fundamental pitch, giving richness to the sound. Figuratively, it evolved to describe secondary meanings or implications "hovering above" the primary message. The term reflects both acoustic physics and linguistic layering.
Her speech carried an overtone of sadness despite her cheerful words.
The violin’s overtones added depth to the melody.
Critics detected political overtones in the artist’s abstract painting.
The agreement had cultural overtones that weren’t immediately obvious.
Skilled singers can amplify specific overtones for a resonant effect.