Meaning & use
lowkey
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Quiet, relaxed and not attracting attention or making a fuss.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after be: a lowkey party; the event was lowkey. Also written low-key.
We kept the celebration lowkey, just dinner at home.
He has a lowkey style and never shows off.
The ceremony was lowkey, with only family present.
adverbnot comparableslang
A little or secretly, used to soften a statement about your feelings.
Grammar: Placed before a verb or adjective: I lowkey love this song.
I lowkey want to stay home tonight.
She lowkey hoped he would call.
Word forms
| comparative | more lowkey |
|---|---|
| superlative | most lowkey |
Common combinations
- keep it lowkey
- Let's keep it lowkey and just have coffee.
- a lowkey vibe
- The cafe has a lowkey vibe.
- lowkey obsessed
- I'm lowkey obsessed with this show.
- lowkey stressed
- I'm lowkey stressed about the exam.
Synonyms and how they differ
- understated
- More formal; describes style that is deliberately restrained.
- subdued
- Describes mood or color that is quiet, often a little sad.
- discreet
- Stresses avoiding attention to keep something private.
Opposites
Commonly confused: lowkey or low key?
lowkey vs low key
The spelling low-key or low key is common in formal writing for the adjective.
Practice
Which sentence uses lowkey to mean secretly or a little?
Choose one answer.
I lowkey want to quit means I secretly or slightly want to, the slang adverb use. The party sentence is the adjective sense of quiet and modest.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lowkey”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.