low-key
Americanadjective
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of reduced intensity; restrained; understated.
Judicial elections used to be low-key affairs, attracting little campaign spending.
-
(of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (distinguished from high-key).
adverb
verb (used with object)
adjective
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having a low intensity or tone
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restrained, subdued, or understated
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(of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlights Compare high-key
Usage
What else does low-key mean? Low-key can variously mean "quiet," "restrained," "moderate," or "easygoing." It can also behave as an adverb meaning "of low or moderate intensity." Like doing something, but in a "chill" way. For instance: We're having a party at my place but keeping it low-key so the neighbors don't complain.
Etymology
Origin of low-key
First recorded in 1890–95
Explanation
Something low-key is quiet or understated. A low-key wedding might be held in a friend's backyard, with a potluck reception — it's informal, small, and subdued. A person who's low-key is modest and soft spoken, and a low-key restaurant is comfortable and unpretentious. You might prefer your family's low-key way of celebrating birthdays (a cake and a few gifts) to the way your best friend's family does it (hiring caterers, clowns, magicians, and a band). Low-key can also mean "muted in color," like the low-key tones in your favorite painting.
Vocabulary lists containing low-key
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
EatBar: Everything is retro at EatBar’s Low-Key New Year’s Eve: Chef Nate Anda has prepared a menu featuring pepperoni hot pockets, corn dogs and other childhood favorites.
From Washington Post • Dec. 19, 2018
A version of this article appears in print on January 19, 2014, on page ST9 of the with the headline: At Ease, Low-Key And High Profile.
From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2014
A version of this article appears in print on January 15, 2014, on page C1 of the with the headline: Low-Key Impresario At High Altitude .
From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2014
May 22 Low-Key Swing Coach May Get High-Profile Student Sean Foley's students say his greatest strength is his ability and commitment to tailor people's swings to fit their bodies and idiosyncrasies.
From New York Times • May 24, 2010
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
