low-key
|low/key|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌloʊˈkiː/
🇬🇧
/ˌləʊˈkiː/
modest or restrained
Etymology
Etymology Information
'low-key' originates from the combination of 'low' and 'key', where 'low' meant 'not high' and 'key' referred to 'a tone or pitch'.
Historical Evolution
'low-key' evolved from the musical term 'low key', referring to a quiet or subdued tone, and eventually became a metaphor for anything modest or restrained.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a musical tone, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'modest or restrained'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not elaborate, showy, or intensive; modest or restrained.
The wedding was a low-key affair with only close family and friends.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35