undercurrent

• Courant d'eau qui circule sous la surface, ou sentiment, qualité ou influence caché(e) qui agit de manière souterraine dans une situation ou un discours.

A noun referring to a hidden or underlying feeling, quality, or influence, often in a situation or conversation, or a current of water flowing beneath the surface.

1. Hidden emotion or meaningB2formal

   A subtle or underlying feeling, quality, or meaning that is not directly expressed but is present in a situation or conversation.

   Sous-entendu ou sentiment latent

   • There was an undercurrent of tension in the room during the negotiation.
   • His calm words carried an undercurrent of anger.
   • The novel explores the undercurrent of social unrest in the city.

   Synonymesatmosphereconnotationhintimplicationnuanceovertonesuggestionundertonevibe

2. Subsurface water flowB2formalscientific

   A current of water that flows beneath the surface of a body of water, often moving in a different direction than the surface current.

   Courant de subsurface

   • Swimmers should be cautious of the strong undercurrent near the shore.
   • The diver felt a cold undercurrent pulling him deeper.
   • The river's undercurrent made it dangerous for boats.

   Synonymesundertow