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low-key vs lowkey

Both "low-key" and "lowkey" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Low-key" is more commonly used and accepted in formal writing, while "lowkey" is often used in informal contexts like social media or casual conversations.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1761 views

low-key

This is a correct phrase and commonly used in formal writing.

Use "low-key" when you want to describe something that is subtle, restrained, or not very noticeable.

Examples:

  • She prefers a low-key birthday celebration with just a few close friends.
  • He has a low-key personality and doesn't like being the center of attention.
  • The restaurant has a low-key atmosphere perfect for a quiet dinner.
  • I like her low-key approach to fashion, always elegant but not flashy.
  • The movie had a low-key ending that left the audience reflecting on its message.
  • to keep something low key: to not announce it; to have a quiet gathering; opposite of a large party or big group of people; not much emphasis, closely aligned ...
  • quiet and relaxed : not very forceful, emotional, or noticeable. Full Definition of low–key. 1 : having or producing dark tones only with little contrast. 2 : of low ...
  • low-key. (lō′kē′) also low-keyed (-kēd′). adj. 1. Having low intensity; restrained, as in style or quality; subdued. 2. Having or producing uniformly dark tones ...
  • Low-key lighting is a style of lighting for photography, film or television. It is a necessary element in creating a chiaroscuro effect. Traditional photographic ...

Alternatives:

  • subtle
  • restrained
  • modest
  • understated
  • muted

lowkey

This is a correct phrase, but it is more commonly used in informal contexts like social media or casual conversations.

Use "lowkey" informally to mean something that is not very obvious, secret, or understated.

Examples:

  • I'm lowkey excited about the new movie coming out.
  • She's lowkey the best singer in the group.
  • He's lowkey in love with his best friend.
  • The party was lowkey lit, everyone had a great time.
  • I'm lowkey tired of all the drama in this group.
  • "He's moving to Chicago in three weeks but the semester isn't over for another seven weeks. He's lowkey dropping out." "I didn't think I would be but I'm lowkey ...
  • Aug 4, 2015 ... You might have noticed the words "highkey" and "lowkey" popping up on Twitter lately. They're becoming as popular as the word "literally" was ...
  • Nov 27, 2015 ... Here's a word that you might not have noticed before: lowkey. A great example is this tweet: when u lowkey need to get ur waiter's attention.
  • Kareem Dennis (born 23 May 1986), better known by his stage name Lowkey, is an English rapper, and political activist of Iraqi descent. He first became known ...

Alternatives:

  • kind of
  • sort of
  • a bit
  • somewhat
  • secretly

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