Main Entry:

³low

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

low·er \ˈlō-ər\ ; low·est \ˈlō-əst\

Etymology:

Middle English lah, low, from Old Norse lāgr; akin to Middle High German læge low, flat; probably akin to Old English licgan to lie

Date:

12th century

1 a: having a small upward extension or elevation <a low wall> b: situated or passing little above a reference line, point, or plane <low bridges> c (1): having a low-cut neckline (2): not extending as high as the ankle <low oxfords>2 a: situated or passing below the normal level, surface, or base of measurement, or the mean elevation <low ground> b: marking a nadir or bottom <the low point of his career>3: dead —used as a predicate adjective with lay<laid the enemy low>4 a: not loud : soft b: flat 8a c: characterized by being toward the bottom of the range of pitch attainable (as by an instrument)5 a: being near the equator <low northern latitudes> b: being near the horizon6: socially or economically humble in character or status <a person of low birth>7 a: lacking strength, health, or vitality : weak, prostrate <very low with pneumonia> b: lacking spirit or vivacity : depressed <a low frame of mind>8 a: of lesser degree, size, or amount than average or ordinary <low energy> b (1): small in number or amount (2): substandard, inadequate <a low level of employment> <a low income group> (3): cheap <low prices> (4): short, depleted <oil is in low supply> c: of lesser position, rank, or order9: falling short of some standard: as a: lacking dignity or elevation <a low style of writing> b: morally reprehensible : base <a low trick> c: coarse, vulgar <low language> 10 a: not advanced in complexity, development, or elaboration <low organisms> boften capitalized : low church11: unfavorable, disparaging <had a low opinion of him>12: designed for slow and usually the slowest speed <low gear>13: articulated with a wide opening between the relatively flat tongue and the palate : open <\ä\ is a low vowel>14: intended to attract little attention <kept a low profile>15: being near the basket or net <a player in the low post>

synonyms see base

— low adverb

— low·ness noun