overtones

overtones — noun

1. extra meaning, feeling, or attitude that a remark, event, or decision carries in

1.名詞C1
釋義

extra meaning, feeling, or attitude that a remark, event, or decision carries indirectly instead of saying it openly.

例句

The minister's apology carried political overtones before the election debate.

collocation: political overtones

Adina heard jealous overtones in her sister's praise of the new apartment.

同義詞
  • connotations

    often used for ideas or words that carry added associations

  • undertones

    similar, but often suggests a quieter or subtler hidden feeling

  • implications

    broader and more neutral; can point to logical consequences as well

文法句型

have overtones of + noun

adjective + overtones

用法筆記

Usually plural. Often follows adjectives like political, racial, sexual, or religious to describe an extra suggestion in words, images, or actions.

常見錯誤

❌His email said overtones that he was angry.
✅His email had overtones of anger.
💡use 'have overtones of' for an indirect extra meaning, not a that-clause.

2. higher tones that are heard together with a note's main lowest tone and help sha

2.名詞C1
釋義

higher tones that are heard together with a note's main lowest tone and help shape the sound's character.

例句

Quan tuned the bell so its overtones rang more clearly through the hall.

sound term: overtones ring

The flute's warm overtones filled the small church during Renata's solo.

collocation: warm overtones

同義詞
  • harmonics

    technical music and acoustics term for tones related to the fundamental

  • partials

    more technical label used in sound analysis

文法句型

rich/high + overtones

measure/produce overtones

用法筆記

Usually discussed in music or acoustics. These tones sound together with the main note and help create an instrument's particular sound quality.

常見錯誤

❌The piano made an overtone after the note ended.
✅The piano produced rich overtones with the note.
💡overtones are heard together with the main note, not as a separate later sound.