low-impact
|low-im-pact|
🇺🇸
/ˌloʊˈɪmpækt/
🇬🇧
/ˌləʊˈɪmpækt/
causing little effect or harm
Etymology
'low-impact' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'low' and 'impact'. 'Low' comes from Old English (e.g. 'hlēow'/'hlāw') where it meant 'not high' or 'near the ground', and 'impact' comes from Latin 'impactus' (past participle of a verb related to striking) via French and Late Latin.
'impact' entered English in the 17th century from Late Latin 'impactus' (meaning 'a striking or pushing against'), through French influence to modern English 'impact'. 'Low' is an older Germanic word from Old English; the compound 'low-impact' is a modern formation (20th century onward) applying 'low' as a modifier to 'impact' to indicate small effect or force.
Initially, 'impact' literally referred to a striking or physical collision; over time it broadened to mean 'effect' or 'influence'. The compound 'low-impact' thus came to mean 'having little effect or force' in environmental, physical, or other contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing relatively little damage or harm to the environment; having a small environmental footprint.
They adopt low-impact farming methods to protect the soil and local ecosystems.
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Adjective 2
in exercise or physical activity: placing relatively little stress or strain on the body, joints, or muscles.
She prefers low-impact workouts like swimming and cycling to protect her knees.
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Last updated: 2025/12/02 12:24