Word
lowly
Phoneticslow·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫoʊɫi/
UK/lˈəʊli/
Definition
adj. having a low rank or a very simple position in society. It describes someone or something that is not powerful, rich, or important.
adj. occupying a humble or low position in a hierarchy; lacking in status, importance, or rank.
Examples
“He started his career as a lowly clerk in the mailroom.”
“Even the most lowly tasks in the kitchen are essential for the restaurant to run smoothly.”
“The novel explores the life of a lowly stable hand who eventually rises to become a respected advisor to the king through sheer perseverance.”
Examples
simple
“He started his career as a lowly clerk in the mailroom.”
contextual
“Even the most lowly tasks in the kitchen are essential for the restaurant to run smoothly.”
complex
“The novel explores the life of a lowly stable hand who eventually rises to become a respected advisor to the king through sheer perseverance.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to emphasize a lack of status.
Pitfall
He spoke lowly to the group
He spoke quietly to the group
Lowly is an adjective meaning humble; it is not the adverbial form of 'low' used for volume or physical height.
Real-World Examples
“The match marked Ange Postecoglou’s last game in charge of the club before being sacked for their lowly league finish.” “While Chelsea would still need to improve considerably to win the title, they were better than their lowly 10th-place finish last season suggests.” “Thompson was on the receiving end of a maneuver known as the clapback, in which a star actually responds to a lowly hater.” Etymology
From low + -ly; compare Middle English lowly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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