low-key
UK /ˌləʊˈkiː/ · US /ˌloʊˈki/ adjective, adverb
Forms lowkey low key lowk LWK
- adjective (art, photography) Dark; characterized by dark tones and muted colors.
- adjective (figuratively, by extension) Restrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention. “She deserves an Oscar for her low-key performance in that movie.”
- adverb (colloquial) In a low-key or surreptitious manner; secretively; understatedly; on the down-low.
- adverb (colloquial, chiefly Canada, US, originally African-American Vernacular) Used as a downtoner; kind of.
- adverb (colloquial, African-American Vernacular, meiosis) Actually; seriously.
Synonyms
Antonyms
high-key bedizened blatant blingish brash campy catchpenny chichi chintzy corny crass crude
Etymology
From low + key.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “low-key”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details