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 — 形容詞

1. kept simple and calm so that it does not draw much notice or create much excitem

1.形容詞B2
釋義

低調的

簡單克制、不刻意張揚的

kept simple and calm so that it does not draw much notice or create much excitement

例句

The wedding was low-key, with twenty guests and dinner in the garden.

那場婚禮很低調，只有二十位賓客，並在花園裡吃晚餐。

low-key event — simple and not showy

Nadia prefers low-key colours like grey and olive for work.

Nadia 上班時偏好灰色和橄欖綠這類低調的顏色。

low-key + colours / style choices

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • flashy

    deliberately bright or attention-seeking

  • showy

    meant to impress people in an obvious way

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

❌The concert was low-key, so the music was too quiet.
✅The concert was low-key, with simple lighting and little publicity.
💡Here low-key means not showy, not low in volume.

2. gentle in force, emotion, or style, without strong pressure, drama, or severity

2.形容詞B2
釋義

溫和；輕微

程度不強、反應不激烈的

gentle in force, emotion, or style, without strong pressure, drama, or severity

例句

Her doctor suggested low-key exercise while her ankle was healing.

她的醫師建議她在腳踝復原期間先做輕微的運動。

low-key exercise — gentle, not demanding

The campaign stayed low-key and avoided angry attacks on rivals.

那場競選活動保持溫和，避免對對手做出憤怒攻擊。

low-key campaign — restrained tone

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • intense

    strong in force or feeling

  • heated

    emotionally charged, especially in arguments

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 — 副詞