low-key
/ˌləʊ ˈkiː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌləʊ ˈkiː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlō-ˈkē How to pronounce low-key (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˌləʊˈkiː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌloʊˈkiː/ (ame, ipa)
low-key — adjective
1. kept simple and calm so that it does not draw much notice or create much excitem
kept simple and calm so that it does not draw much notice or create much excitement
The wedding was low-key, with twenty guests and dinner in the garden.
low-key event — simple and not showy
Nadia prefers low-key colours like grey and olive for work.
low-key + colours / style choices
They announced the new app with a low-key post online.
After the award, Tunde stayed low-key and thanked his team quietly.
- understated
often suggests tasteful simplicity, especially in design or behaviour
- modest
can describe something simple or a person who does not boast
- restrained
emphasises self-control or limited display more than style
文法句型
low-key + noun
be + low-key
stay + low-key
用法筆記
Often describes events, clothes, publicity, or behaviour that avoid a flashy effect. It differs from sense 2, which is about low intensity rather than public attention.
常見錯誤
2. gentle in force, emotion, or style, without strong pressure, drama, or severity
gentle in force, emotion, or style, without strong pressure, drama, or severity
Her doctor suggested low-key exercise while her ankle was healing.
low-key exercise — gentle, not demanding
The campaign stayed low-key and avoided angry attacks on rivals.
low-key campaign — restrained tone
Even after the mistake, the principal's response was low-key and calm.
They wanted a low-key discussion instead of a heated public fight.
- mild
the closest neutral word for something not severe
- restrained
emphasises self-control or a deliberate decision not to go too far
- calm
focuses more on absence of anger or panic than on intensity level
文法句型
low-key + noun
be + low-key
用法筆記
This sense is used for a restrained tone, reaction, plan, or level of activity. Unlike sense 1, the focus is not on visibility but on keeping things gentle and not extreme.
low-key — adverb
1. used before a feeling or opinion to make it sound less strong, even when you rea
used before a feeling or opinion to make it sound less strong, even when you really mean it
I was low-key hoping the teacher would move the test to Friday.
low-key + hoping — soften a real wish
Devika low-key hates long video calls after nine at night.
low-key + strong feeling
We low-key expected the cafe to be full before noon.
Christopher low-key thinks this old laptop works better than the new one.
文法句型
low-key + think
low-key + hope
low-key + want
low-key + hate
用法筆記
Used mainly in informal speech and online writing before verbs such as hope, want, think, or hate. It softens the tone, but often suggests the feeling is actually quite real.