Low

Part of speech: adjective, adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈləʊ/

Definitions

1. At a minimal elevation or amount, often associated with a lack of prominence or importance, as well as a state of depreciated value or quality
2. Characterized by a short vertical dimension, an inferior amount relative to a standard or expectation, and signaling decreased power or effectiveness
3. Positioned close to the earth's surface or a baseline ; measuring less than average in height or quantity ; showing reduced strength or a diminished condition

Etymology: The adjective "low" has a surprising root: it is tied to the idea of lying down. Its ancestor, Old English "hlāg" or a close relative, came from a Germanic verb meaning "to lie," and the same root gives Latin "lectus" (bed) and Greek "lékhomai" (to lie down). Sense followed posture. Something that lies flat sits close to the ground, and so "low" came to mean near the earth, then short in height and lacking in volume or rank. The word also carries a grammatical twist in its history. The source traces it to the first and third person singular past tense of an Old English verb, hliehhan, meaning "to laugh." Its own roots lie in the same Germanic soil that produced the verb for lying down, so the adjective and the Latin word "lectus" are distant cousins that share a single ancient posture.

Synonyms: short, small, slight, diminished, inferior

Antonyms: high, tall, elevated, superior