low

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Not far above the ground or a base level, or not tall.

   Grammar: Goes before a noun or after be: a low wall, the branch is low.

   Patterns

   • low to the ground
   • a low ceiling

   The low ceiling forced him to bend his head.

   A low wall surrounded the garden.

   The sun was low in the sky.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Below the usual or expected amount, level or number.

   Grammar: Used with amounts: low prices, low income, low battery.

   Patterns

   • low in something
   • at a low level

   Prices are low this month.

   The soup is low in salt.

   My phone battery is low.

3. 3adjectiveafter a verbinformal

   Sad, discouraged or lacking energy.

   Grammar: Usually after be, feel or get: she felt low.

   Patterns

   • feel low
   • be low on something

   He felt low after losing the match.

   Her spirits were low after a hard week.

   Rainy days often make me feel low.

4. 4adjectivecomparable

   Quiet or soft, or deep in pitch.

   Grammar: Describes sounds and voices: a low voice, a low note.

   Patterns

   • in a low voice

   She spoke in a low voice so as not to wake the baby.

   The cello plays the low notes.

   A low hum came from the machine.

5. 5adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Of poor quality or low rank, or morally poor.

   Grammar: Used with rank, status or behavior: low standards, a low trick.

   Patterns

   • a low opinion of someone

   He has a low opinion of the plan.

   Skipping the bill was a low trick.

   The hotel was cheap but of low standard.

6. 6adverbnot comparable

   In or to a position that is not high.

   Grammar: Used after verbs: fly low, bow low.

   Patterns

   • fly low
   • bow low

   The plane flew low over the field.

   She bowed low before the king.

   Lie low until the noise stops.

Word forms

Common combinations

low price

The shop offers a low price for students.

low battery

My phone shows a low battery warning.

low voice

He spoke in a low voice.

feel low

I feel low when it rains all week.

low in fat

This yogurt is low in fat.

lie low

After the argument, he decided to lie low for a few days.

Synonyms and how they differ

short

Short describes height or length of people and things, while low describes position above a base.

shallow

Shallow describes distance downward, such as water depth, rather than height.

depressed

Depressed is stronger and may suggest a mental condition, whereas feeling low is milder.

quiet

Quiet refers to volume only, while low can refer to volume or pitch.

Opposites

Word family

lower verb

to move down or reduce

lower adjective

comparative form, further down

lowly adjective

humble or of low rank

lowness noun

the state of being low

lowland noun

flat land at low elevation

Commonly confused: low or lo? low or short?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “low”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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