Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

underlying-message

noun

/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ˈmɛsɪdʒ/

Definition

The central or fundamental idea conveyed in a piece of communication that may not be explicitly stated.

Examples

Despite the cheerful tone of the story, the underlying message addresses serious issues of social injustice.
When watching the movie, I noticed an underlying message about the importance of family and forgiveness.
The advertisement seemed straightforward, but it carried a hidden underlying message about consumerism.

Meaning

An underlying message refers to the implicit meaning or lesson behind what is openly expressed. It often requires interpretation and can influence the overall perception of the material.