undercurrent

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a feeling, opinion, or influence that is present but not openly expressed

   An undercurrent of distrust ran through the otherwise polite discussion.

2. 2
   noun

   a current of water or other fluid flowing beneath the surface, sometimes in a different direction

   The swimmer was carried sideways by a strong undercurrent.

Formed from under- + current. The literal term for a flow below the surface developed a figurative sense for a concealed feeling or influence beneath outward words or events.

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