lower
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to move something to a lower position or let it down.
v.to move something physically downward or to let something descend by its own weight.
Simple“They had to lower the flag at the end of the day.”
In context“The rescue team carefully lowered the stretcher down the cliff face using a series of reinforced ropes and pulleys.”
UsageTransitive when moving an object; intransitive when a level or surface falls.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to make something less in amount, price, or strength.
v.to reduce the degree, intensity, value, or quantity of something.
Simple“The shop decided to lower its prices to attract more customers.”
In context“The central bank decided to lower interest rates in an attempt to stimulate economic growth during the recession.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to do something that you feel is beneath your dignity or status.
v.to behave in a way that makes people lose respect for you; often used reflexively.
Simple“He refused to lower himself by joining in the office gossip.”
In context“She felt it was beneath her to lower herself to their level by engaging in a public shouting match over such a trivial matter.”
UsageOften used as 'lower oneself to' followed by a gerund or noun.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to change complex computer code into simpler instructions that a machine can understand.
v.to transform high-level source code into a lower-level representation or machine instructions during compilation.
Simple“The compiler will lower the high-level code into assembly language.”
In context“During the optimization phase, the intermediate representation is lowered to target-specific instructions to improve execution speed.”
UsageUsed primarily in the context of compiler design and software engineering.
- 05 A2 Elementary
adj.being below something else or towards the bottom.
adj.situated beneath another part or towards the bottom of a structure or geographical area.
Simple“The books you want are on the lower shelf.”
In context“The geologist noted significant mineral deposits in the lower strata of the rock formation, suggesting a different volcanic period.”
UsageComparative form of 'low'.
- 06 B1 Intermediate
adv.at or to a lower position or level than before.
adv.to a position or level that is less high than another.
Simple“Can you fly the drone a bit lower so I can see the ground?”
In context“The sun sank lower in the sky, casting long, dramatic shadows across the valley floor as evening approached.”
UsageComparative form of the adverb 'low'.
Usage lower levels · lower energy · lower risk
“As she begins to speak, she lowers her eyes and pauses for a moment before continuing.”
“US prices rose 3.4% in the year to July, slightly lower than the 3.5% in the year to June, new figures show.”