low-lying

/ˌləʊ ˈlaɪɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌləʊ ˈlaɪɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ/ (ame, mw)

low-lying — adjective

1. describing land that sits at, near, or below the level of the sea, making it pro

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing land that sits at, near, or below the level of the sea, making it prone to flooding

例句

The river spilled over its banks onto the low-lying fields.

collocation: low-lying fields / low-lying land

Low-lying parts of Bangkok flood badly during the rainy season.

同義詞
  • lowland

    refers specifically to flat land at low elevation, not necessarily near the sea

  • coastal

    means near the coast in general, without the implication of low height

反義詞
  • upland

    land that is high above sea level

用法筆記

Typically describes land, terrain, or geographical areas. Most often appears in discussions of flooding, sea-level rise, and coastal geography.

2. having little height above the ground or a given reference point, and often fair

2.形容詞B2
釋義

having little height above the ground or a given reference point, and often fairly flat in shape

例句

Naledi spotted the low-lying building from the top of the hill.

A band of low-lying mist clung to the valley floor at sunrise.

used for mist, cloud, and fog close to the ground

同義詞
  • squat

    suggests a short, broad shape, often for buildings or structures

  • ground-hugging

    more informal; emphasises closeness to the ground, used for plants or low clouds

反義詞

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (NEAR SEA LEVEL): this sense applies broadly to anything close to ground level — buildings, clouds, hills, mist — not just coastal land. The object described is usually also fairly flat.

常見錯誤

❌The low-lying manager made the final decision.
✅The low-level manager made the final decision.
💡'low-lying' describes physical height; 'low-level' describes rank or importance.