Connotation and Undercurrent

noun

• What you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression.
  • synonyms: intension
• An idea that is implied or suggested. .

(n.) The act of connoting; a making known or designating something additional; implication of something more than is asserted.

noun

• A subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning.
  • synonyms: undertone
• A current below the surface of a fluid.
  • synonyms: undertide

• (n.) A current below the surface of water, sometimes flowing in a contrary direction to that on the surface.
• (n.) Hence, figuratively, a tendency of feeling, opinion or the like, in a direction contrary to what is publicly shown; an unseen influence or tendency; as, a strong undercurrent of sentiment in favor of a prisoner.
• (a.) Running beneath the surface; hidden.