Overtone (Noun)
Meaning 1
A harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The singer's powerful voice produced a rich overtone that resonated through the concert hall.
- The guitarist's use of distortion created a series of overtones that added depth to the music.
- The bell's clear tone was accompanied by a series of subtle overtones that gave it a unique sound.
- The violinist's skilled playing brought out the overtones in the instrument, creating a sense of warmth and complexity.
- The audio engineer carefully adjusted the equalizer to bring out the overtones in the singer's voice, adding a sense of brightness to the mix.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality; "overtones of despair".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Usages
Examples
- Her voice had a tone of sadness, but there were also overtones of resentment and frustration that caught his attention.
- The novel's subtle overtones of social commentary added depth to its otherwise straightforward narrative.
- The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm masked the overtones of heartbreak and longing that made it a favorite among teenagers.
- The company's advertisement seemed cheerful and innocuous on the surface, but its overtones of exclusivity and elitism sparked controversy online.
- His speech was full of overtones of nationalism and patriotism, which stirred the crowd but also raised concerns about his party's true intentions.