low-key

or low·key

[ loh-kee ]

adjective

1. of reduced intensity; restrained; understated:

   Judicial elections used to be low-key affairs, attracting little campaign spending.

2. (of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast ( high-key ).

adverb

1. Slang. in a restrained or discreet way, or to a limited extent, without trying to attract attention:

   I low-key wish I was married with three kids, though it is fun to be single.

verb (used with object)

, low-keyed, low-key·ing.

1. to make or attempt to make low-key:

   to low-key the arms buildup.

low-key

adjective

1. having a low intensity or tone
2. restrained, subdued, or understated
3. See high-key
   (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlights Compare high-key

Word History and Origins

Origin of low-key¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

However, as she feared, The Bell Jar appeared to indifferent notices and the launch—which Ted attended—was rather low-key.

From The Daily Beast

Later that night, this low-key man went out on stage with otherworldly energy.

From The Daily Beast

We prefer the low key spots, where the eating is as cheap as it is delicious.

From The Daily Beast

The Pass is the dressed down, low key spot, while The Provisions is more formal.

From The Daily Beast

In person, Ligety is fairly humble, and low-key—almost enigmatic.

From The Daily Beast

Voices at last, low and muffled, voices pitched in a low key, men talking as in deep confidence.

From Project Gutenberg

The girls sit down all the time in a row, and wave their hands and arms about and sing in a low key and in frightful discord.

From Project Gutenberg

They continued the conversation, turned into this ominous channel, in the same low key.

From Project Gutenberg

"In health you may dash the Potage with a little juyce of Orange" is in the same low key.

From Project Gutenberg

He used it to keep his voice in a low key and to measure his words on the great subject.

From Project Gutenberg