undertow

/ˈʌndətəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚtˌo] /ˈʌndərtəʊ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚtˌo] /ˈən-dər-ˌtō How to pronounce undertow (audio)/ (ame, mw)

undertow — noun

  • undertowsingular
  • undertowsplural

1. a flow of water that moves beneath the surface in a direction opposite to the wa

1.名詞B2
釋義

a flow of water that moves beneath the surface in a direction opposite to the waves and surface current, often pulling back toward the open sea when waves break on a beach

例句

Sari was caught in a strong undertow while swimming near the reef and had to call for help.

collocation: caught in a/an undertow

A dangerous undertow pulled Marco's surfboard far out past the breaking waves.

passive causative: pulled by an undertow

同義詞
  • rip current

    a narrow, fast-moving channel of water flowing seaward through the surf zone; technically distinct but often confused with undertow

  • undercurrent

    any current below the surface; broader meaning than undertow and includes non-shore contexts

文法句型

the undertow

an undertow

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'caught in' or 'pulled by' to describe the danger to swimmers. The definite article 'the' is common when referring to a specific beach location.

常見錯誤

❌The riptide pulled the swimmer out to sea.
✅The undertow pulled the swimmer out to sea.
💡When the current is caused by waves breaking on shore, 'undertow' is the correct term; 'riptide' (rip current) forms differently.
❌He got caught by undertow.
✅He got caught in an undertow.
💡The correct preposition is 'in,' not 'by.'

2. something hidden such as a feeling or trend that flows beneath the visible surfa

2.名詞C1
釋義

something hidden such as a feeling or trend that flows beneath the visible surface of a situation, opposing what people outwardly show or assume — for example, an undertow of anxiety beneath a cheerful group atmosphere, or an undertow of resentment underneath friendly words

例句

Anjali sensed an undertow of resentment beneath her colleagues' polite words during the meeting.

pattern: undertow of [emotion] beneath [surface]

Behind the festival's cheerful music, Jenna detected an undertow of sadness in the crowd.

同義詞
  • undercurrent

    more common and slightly less dramatic than undertow; can describe any hidden feeling, not necessarily one that opposes the surface

  • underlying tension

    more explicit about the conflict; typically used in political or social analysis

  • backlash

    implies a stronger, more active opposition than undertow, often in response to a specific event

文法句型

an undertow of [emotion/feeling]

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'of + abstract noun' (e.g., undertow of anxiety, resentment, tension). Common in literary or journalistic writing. The sense is always singular.

常見錯誤

❌He felt an undertow anxiety.
✅He felt an undertow of anxiety.
💡The preposition 'of' is required after 'undertow' in this sense.
❌Her speech had a political undertow.
✅An undertow of political tension ran beneath her speech.
💡Undertow implies opposition or hidden conflict, not just a subtle presence.