TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

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 • 1724 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

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!