What is low? Pronunciation and usage in English

low means . Learn how to pronounce and use low through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of low

lowadjective

/ləʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of low

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "low" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on where you are (American English vs. British English).

1. American English:

  • Pronunciation: /ˈloʊ/ (stress on the "o")
  • Sound: It sounds like "loh" - almost like the word "toe" but with an "l" instead of a "t."
  • How to do it: Round your lips as if you're going to whistle, and then say "loh." Focus on the open, relaxed vowel sound.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /lɒ/ (stress on the "o")
  • Sound: It sounds like "low" - similar to the word "low" in "lowland."
  • How to do it: This is a more closed vowel sound. Make your mouth slightly more pursed than in the American pronunciation. Think of the sound you make when lowering your head.

Here's a quick comparison table:

Feature American English British English
Stress On the "o" On the "o"
Vowel Sound Open, relaxed Closed, slightly pursed
Sound "Loh" "Low"

Resources to help you:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/low/ – This website has audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing "low" in both American and British English.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce low in American English" or "how to pronounce low in British English" and you'll find many helpful videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) Knowing your native English dialect will help me give you the most accurate guidance.

Usage and examples with the word low in English

Let's break down how to use the word "low" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Level/Amount (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Below a standard or expected level; small; little.
  • Examples:
    • "The water level in the river is low." (Referring to a physical level)
    • "I have a low blood pressure." (Referring to a medical measurement)
    • "He’s in a low mood today." (Referring to an emotional state)
    • "The price of the tickets is low." (Referring to a quantity/price)
    • "There’s a low turnout for the event." (Referring to a number/quantity)

2. Position (Physical)

  • Meaning: Down, on the ground, or close to the ground.
  • Examples:
    • "He crawled low to the ground."
    • "The rabbit burrowed low under the bush."
    • "The sun was low on the horizon." (Meaning near the ground)

3. Sound (Music/Volume)

  • Meaning: A deep, resonant sound; a soft or quiet musical note. Often used in music contexts.
  • Examples:
    • "The cello played a low note."
    • "The bass guitar creates a low frequency sound."
    • "The vocalist added a low rumble to the song."

4. Slang/Informal – Feeling Depressed/Sad

  • Meaning: Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. (This usage is much more informal.)
  • Examples:
    • “I’m feeling really low today.”
    • “She’s been in a low since she lost her job.”
    • “Don't let the negative comments bring you low.”

5. "Low" as an Adjective (Describing Something Weak or Inferior)

  • Meaning: Poor quality; substandard; deficient.
  • Examples:
    • “The quality of the ingredients is low.”
    • “He has a low tolerance for criticism.” (meaning he's easily offended)

6. "Low" in Measurements (Temperature, Pressure, etc.)

  • Meaning: Referring to a measurement that is below a standard or expected value.
  • Examples:
    • “The temperature dropped low overnight.”
    • “The air pressure was quite low.”

Tips for Understanding Context:

  • Surrounding Words: Pay close attention to the words around "low." This will help you determine the intended meaning.
  • Situation: Consider the overall situation. Is it a medical context? A musical discussion? A conversation about feelings?

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "low"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word low

Idioms of the word low

at a low ebb
in a poor state; worse than usual
  • Morale among teachers is at a low ebb.
be brought low
(old-fashioned)to lose your wealth or your high position in society
    a high/low profile
    the amount of attention somebody/something has from the public
    • This issue has had a high profile in recent months.
    • I advised her to keep a low profile for the next few days (= not to attract attention).
    • The story was given a low profile in today's papers.
    lay somebody low
    if somebody is laid low by/with an injury or illness, they feel very weak and are unable to do much
      the lowest of the low
      people who are not respected at all because they are not honest, moral or important at all

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