lowness

lowness — noun

1. how low something is physically, for example its height above the ground, or the

1.名詞C1
釋義

how low something is physically, for example its height above the ground, or the smallness of a measurement such as temperature, sound, or amount.

例句

The lowness of the ceiling meant Yael had to bend her head every time she entered the storage room.

the lowness of + noun (physical height)

Farmers living along the river grew anxious about the lowness of the water level during the long dry season.

the lowness of + noun (amount/level)

同義詞
  • shortness

    used for people or objects rather than levels or measurements

  • smallness

    broader term that can include physical size as well as degree

  • slightness

    suggests a small degree, often of a quality such as warmth or sound

反義詞
  • height

    measurement upward from a base; the opposite of vertical lowness

  • highness

    less common; used for height or degree

  • elevation

    distance above a reference point, e.g. sea level

文法句型

the lowness of + noun phrase

用法筆記

The adjective low is far more common in everyday speech. Lowness tends to appear in descriptive, technical, or literary writing where a noun form is needed.

常見錯誤

❌The lowness of the man made him easy to spot in the crowd.
✅The shortness of the man made him easy to spot in the crowd.
💡Lowness describes objects, surfaces, or levels; shortness is used for a person's height.

2. the condition of having a low social position, rank, or standing compared with o

2.名詞C1
釋義

the condition of having a low social position, rank, or standing compared with other people in the same society or organization.

例句

The novel follows a woman from the lowness of her birth as a kitchen maid to becoming a respected landowner.

lowness of birth (fixed expression for humble origins)

The lowness of Tomas's rank in the army camp meant he slept on muddy ground while officers slept in huts.

同義詞
  • inferiority

    emphasises being of lower quality or rank than others

  • lowliness

    less common; often carries overtones of humility

  • subordination

    focuses on being under someone else's authority

反義詞

文法句型

the lowness of + noun phrase

lowness of birth

用法筆記

Frequently paired with of birth or of station to describe humble origins. More neutral alternatives include low status or low rank.

常見錯誤

❌She was angry about the lowness of her salary.
✅She was angry about the lowness of her rank.
💡Lowness in this sense refers to social position or hierarchical level, not to the amount of money.

3. the state of feeling sad, without energy or hope, especially when this lasts for

3.名詞C1
釋義

the state of feeling sad, without energy or hope, especially when this lasts for some time.

例句

After her grandmother passed away, Mei struggled with a deep lowness that lasted for several months.

deep lowness (collocation for intense sadness)

Jude tried to hide his lowness, but his friends noticed he no longer laughed or went out.

同義詞
  • dejection

    formal term for a sad, dispirited state

  • depression

    stronger term that can refer to a clinical condition

  • sadness

    more general and common; suits everyday situations

  • gloom

    suggests a dark, pessimistic mood

反義詞

文法句型

lowness of spirit

feelings of lowness

用法筆記

Often followed by of spirit in the fixed expression lowness of spirit. In everyday language, sadness, low mood, or depression are far more common.

常見錯誤

❌I felt a sudden lowness when I dropped my phone.
✅I felt a sudden sadness when I dropped my phone.
💡Lowness as a feeling describes a longer, heavier emotional state, not a brief reaction to a small event.