# low

/ˈɫoʊ/ (US) · /lˈəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/low
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. not high

adjective · CEFR A1

not far above the ground or a surface.

For teachers: situated close to the ground or another reference plane; lacking significant elevation.

- The ceiling in the old cottage was very low, so he had to duck his head.
- The low branches of the willow tree swept across the surface of the pond, creating small ripples in the water.

### 2. small amount

adjective · CEFR A2

small in amount, level, or value.

For teachers: below the average or expected level in quantity, intensity, or value.

- We need to find a petrol station because the fuel level is very low.
- Consumer confidence remained low throughout the first quarter, leading to a significant decrease in luxury retail spending.

### 3. quiet sound

adjective · CEFR A2

not loud, or having a deep musical pitch.

For teachers: produced with low volume or characterized by a grave musical pitch due to slow vibrations.

- She spoke in a low voice so she wouldn't wake the sleeping baby.
- The cellist played a series of low, resonant notes that echoed through the empty concert hall.

### 4. sad mood

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling sad or without much energy.

For teachers: experiencing a state of depression, dejection, or reduced vitality.

- He has been feeling a bit low lately since his best friend moved away.
- After the team lost the championship, the atmosphere in the locker room was incredibly low.

### 5. a bad point

noun · CEFR B1

the lowest point or the worst time in a situation.

For teachers: a point of minimum value, or a period characterized by failure or depression.

- The argument at the party was a new low for their relationship.
- The stock reached an all-time low yesterday, causing panic among the long-term investors.

### 6. weather system

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

an area where the air pressure is lower than usual, often bringing rain.

For teachers: a region of relatively low atmospheric pressure; a cyclone or depression.

- The weather forecast says a low is moving in from the Atlantic, so expect rain.
- A deep low centered over the coast is expected to bring gale-force winds and heavy precipitation by midnight.

### 7. at a low level

adverb · CEFR A2

in a position close to the ground or with a quiet sound.

For teachers: at or to a low position, price, or volume.

- The sun hung low in the sky just before it disappeared.
- The aircraft flew low over the valley to avoid detection by the radar installations on the ridge.

### 8. to moo

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

the sound a cow makes.

For teachers: to utter the deep, characteristic sound of a cow; to moo.

- In the quiet evening, we could hear the cattle lowing in the distant field.
- The herd began to low restlessly as the storm clouds gathered over the pasture.

## Examples

- The wall is very low.
- The company offered a low price to attract new customers.
- Despite his high rank, he spoke in a low, conspiratorial voice, making sure no one else could overhear their plan.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.