Meaning of the word overtone in English
What does overtone mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
overtone
US /ˈoʊ.vɚ.toʊn/
UK /ˈəʊ.və.təʊn/
Noun
1.
a subtle or secondary quality or implication associated with something
Example:
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The speech had political overtones.
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There was an overtone of sadness in her voice.
2.
a musical tone that is a part of the harmonic series above a fundamental note and may be heard with it
Example:
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The rich sound of the cello is due to its complex array of overtones.
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When you pluck a guitar string, you hear the fundamental note along with its overtones.