lowering

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the process of moving something to a lower place.

n. the act or process of bringing something down to a lower level or position.

“The lowering of the flag happens every day at sunset.”

“The careful lowering of the lifeboat into the choppy waters required perfect coordination between the crew members on deck.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. when a person says a vowel sound with their tongue in a lower position.

n. a phonological process where a vowel or consonant is produced with the tongue in a lower position than its original articulation.

“The linguist explained how the vowel sound changed through lowering over time.”

“Vowel lowering is a common historical sound change that can be observed in the transition from Middle English to early Modern English.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

adj. looking dark, grey, and threatening, like a sky before a storm.

adj. describing a sky or clouds that appear dark, heavy, and menacing; can also describe a person's facial expression.

“The lowering clouds suggested that a heavy storm was coming soon.”

“Under a lowering sky, the hikers hurried toward the shelter, worried by the increasingly dark and oppressive atmosphere.”