low
/ləʊ/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
At a small height above the ground or below the usual level. It can describe position, numbers, volume, or quality.
- The clouds were low in the sky.
- My battery is low.
- Keep your voice low.
- 2.
Smaller than normal in amount, degree, or intensity. It can also describe weak performance, weak confidence, or weak energy.
- Sales are low this month.
- She felt low after the bad news.
- The risk is low.
adverb
At a low height or in a low position.
- The plane flew low over the town.
- He spoke low so nobody heard him.
noun
A low point or the lowest level in something.
- The stock price hit a new low.
- His mood reached a low last winter.
Adinary Nuance
Low is broader than words like 'small' or 'short'. Use 'low' for height, level, amount, sound, or intensity. For mood, 'low' is more natural than 'weak' or 'less'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thấp
- Spanish
- bajo
- Chinese
- 低
- Japanese
- 低い
- Korean
- 낮은
Etymology
Old English has lȳ̄g or līēg? The modern word comes from Old English lēoh, meaning 'low' or 'not high'. It has been used in English for many centuries.
Common phrases
low costlow pricelow voicelow level
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is low used for numbers and prices?
- Yes. You can say low prices, low scores, and low interest rates.
- What is the difference between low and little?
- Low usually describes a level, height, or amount. Little usually describes size or a small quantity.
- Can I say I feel low?
- Yes. It means you feel sad, tired, or not energetic.
- Is low formal or informal?
- It is common in both spoken and written English.