See more synonyms for low-key on Thesaurus.comadjective Also low-keyed.- of reduced intensity; restrained; understated.
- (of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (distinguished from high-key).
verb (used with object), low-keyed, low-key·ing.- to make or attempt to make low-key: to low-key the arms buildup.
Origin of low-key
First recorded in 1890–95
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for low key
dormant,
unused,
immobile,
jobless,
unemployed,
inoperative,
passive,
idle,
static,
sedentary,
sluggish,
dull,
unobtrusive,
easygoing,
relaxed,
quiet,
laid-back,
sober,
subtle,
restrained
British Dictionary definitions for low key- having a low intensity or tone
- restrained, subdued, or understated
- (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlightsCompare high-key
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for low keyadj.also low-key, 1895, from low (adj.) + key (n.1), perhaps from the musical sense.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
