Word: Low

Pronunciation

/loʊ/

Definitions

• Adjective: (adj) Having a position or level not far above the ground, the horizon, or a specified point; near the bottom or base. For example: “The sun was sitting low in the sky.”

  Example sentence: “The river’s water level was dangerously low after the long drought.”

• Adjective: (adj) Indicating a small amount or degree; not great or high. For example: “They kept their voices low during the meeting.”

  Example sentence: “The stock market experienced a period of low trading activity.”

• Adjective: (adj) Denoting a frequency or pitch that is relatively deep or bass. For example: “A low rumble of thunder echoed across the valley.”

  Example sentence: “He plays the cello with beautiful, rich, low notes.”

• Adjective: (adj) Of inferior quality or rank; humble or undistinguished. For example: “They lived in a low-rent district.”

  Example sentence: “She had to work several low-paying jobs to make ends meet.”

• Adjective: (adj) Describing something that is below average or normal standards. For example: “Low grades indicate a lack of understanding.”

  Example sentence: “His blood sugar levels were unusually low this morning.”

• Noun: (n) The lowest part or point; a minimum level. For example: “The temperature reached a new low for the season.”

  Example sentence: “The company’s profits hit a new low last quarter.”

• Verb: (v) To decrease or reduce something to a lower level or value. For example: “She decided to low her expectations for the project.”

  Example sentence: “We need to low our expenses if we’re going to save enough for the trip.”

Phrases

• “Keep it low” - to maintain secrecy or avoid drawing attention.
• “Lie low” - to stay out of sight or remain inconspicuous.
• “The lowest common denominator” - the least advanced or sophisticated level shared by a group.
• “Reach new lows” - to reach unprecedented levels of negativity or failure.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Little, minimal, slight, depressed, poor, humble, weak, soft, quiet, deep.
• Noun: Bottom, minimum, nadir, trough, depth, under, lesser extent.

Please note that the verb form of “low” meaning to reduce or decrease is less common and might be regional or informal usage. More commonly, one would use words like “lower” or “reduce” for this meaning.