Undertones meaning : An auditory tone of low pitch or volume. An implicit message perceived subtly alongside, but not detracting noticeably from, the explicit message conveyed in or by a book, film, verbal dialogue or similar (contrast with overtone); an undercurrent. A pale colour, or one seen underneath another colour. A low state of the physical faculties. To accompany as an undertone. To say or speak in an undertone. To present as less important, noticeable or prominent.