undercurrent
/ˈʌndərˌkɜrənt/
noun
- A hidden or underlying feeling, quality, or influence that is not openly expressed but is often felt or sensed.
- There was an undercurrent of tension in the room during the meeting.
- The novel is full of an undercurrent of sadness that lingers after reading.
- Beneath their polite conversation, an undercurrent of jealousy ran deep.
- A current of water that flows beneath the surface of a body of water, often moving in a different direction from the surface current.
- Swimmers were warned about the strong undercurrent near the pier.
- Even on a calm day, a dangerous undercurrent can sweep people out to sea.
- The boat drifted because of a powerful undercurrent pulling it sideways.