English Explanatory Dictionary

low-key

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Dark; characterized by dark tones and muted colors.
  2. Restrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention.
adv
  1. Used as a downtoner; kind of.
  2. Actually; seriously.
  3. In a low-key or surreptitious manner; secretively; understatedly; on the down-low.

Pronunciation

/ˈləʊki/ /ˌləʊˈkiː/ /ˈloʊˈki/ /ˌloʊˈki/ /ˈloʊki/ LL-Q1860_(eng)-Presurakian-low-key.wav En-au-low-key.ogg

Word forms

low-key more low-key most low-key lowkey low key lowk LWK

Etymology

From low + key.

Synonyms

furtively

Antonyms

high-key bedizened blatant blingish brash campy catchpenny chichi chintzy corny crass crude flashy flaunting florid flossy froufrou garish gauche gaudy gay glaring gross gussied up hideous kitsch kitschy loud meretricious naff obtrusive ostentatious pizazzy pretentious ritzy raffish schlocky showy snazzy splendiferous tacky tasteless tawdry tinselly too much trinkety unbecoming untasteful vain whorish zesty

Related words

a little literally

Derived words

low-keyness
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