Low
/loʊ/
Definitions
7 meaningsHaving a small height or distance from the base or ground; not high or tall.
/loʊ/
Being at a small height from the ground or other base.
The bird flew low over the water.
💡 Simply: Imagine a short table. If it's not tall, it's low! Or think about how close you are to the ground when you are lying down.
👶 For kids: Not very tall or high up. Like when you sit down.
More Examples
The price of the item is low.
The ceiling in the basement is very low.
How It's Used
"The chair is low to the ground."
"A low-pressure system is approaching."
Small in amount, degree, or intensity; not high.
/loʊ/
Being small in amount or degree.
The supply of water is low.
💡 Simply: Imagine the price of a candy bar is very cheap, then we can say its price is low! Or if you aren't feeling very energetic, you have low energy.
👶 For kids: Not a lot of something. Like when you have a little bit of candy.
More Examples
The company's profit was low last quarter.
The battery's power is low.
How It's Used
"The interest rates are currently low."
"She has a low fever."
Situated or placed below the normal or usual level.
/loʊ/
Of or in a position below the normal or usual level.
The sun was low on the horizon, casting long shadows.
💡 Simply: Imagine the sun is setting and you can see it near the horizon, that's low! Or when the water level is not very high, it is low too.
👶 For kids: Down near the bottom, like the sun when it's going to sleep.
More Examples
The boat was in a low position because of the heavy load.
At low tide, you can walk along the beach.
How It's Used
"The sun was low in the sky."
"The ship was sailing at low tide."
Not loud; quiet or soft in tone or sound.
/loʊ/
Relating to a weak voice or sound.
She spoke in a low tone, so I had trouble hearing her.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're whispering a secret to your friend, that's low! Or when someone is speaking very quietly.
👶 For kids: When the sound is quiet. Like a secret whisper.
More Examples
The music was kept low so as not to disturb the neighbors.
A low hum came from the machine.
How It's Used
"He sang in a low voice."
"I heard a low whisper."
Of poor quality; not very valuable or important; humble.
/loʊ/
Of inferior quality or value; not of high status.
That shop sells low-quality goods.
💡 Simply: Imagine a very cheap toy. It's quality is low, meaning it might break easily! Or someone who isn't very important.
👶 For kids: Not very good, or not very fancy.
More Examples
He came from a low social standing.
The car was sold at a low price because of its condition.
How It's Used
"He comes from a low social class."
"A low-quality product."
In or to a position or state that is close to the ground or at a low level.
/loʊ/
In or to a low position or level.
The animal crouched low to the ground.
💡 Simply: Imagine a plane flying near the ground! It flies low. Or think about a number, like 10. It's low compared to 100!
👶 For kids: Close to the ground or not very high up.
More Examples
They set the temperature low.
He ducked low to avoid being hit.
How It's Used
"The plane flew low over the trees."
(Of a cow) to make a low, mooing sound.
/loʊ/
To make a low sound, such as a cow.
The cow lowed in the pasture.
💡 Simply: When a cow goes 'moo'! That's lowing.
👶 For kids: When a cow says 'moo'.
More Examples
We could hear the distant lowing of cattle.
The farmer could tell the cows were hungry by their lowing.
How It's Used
"The cow lowed in the field."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
low and behold
Used to express surprise or delight at something that has happened or been discovered.
"I went to the store to buy milk, and low and behold, it was on sale!"
lie low
To avoid attention or notice; to keep out of sight or trouble.
"After the argument, he decided to lie low for a few days."
low down
To provide the details or the real reasons behind a situation.
"Can you give me the low down on the new project?"
From Old English *lāg* (a word), derived from Proto-Germanic *lēgaz* (a word, a low place), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *legh- (to lie).
The word 'low' has been used since Old English times with similar meanings to the present day.
Memory tip
Think of a small, short thing close to the ground. The opposite of high.
Word Origin
"a word, a low place"