low-key

comparative more low-key · superlative most low-key · alternative lowkey · alternative low key · alternative lowk · alternative LWK · alternative lwk

1. artDark; characterized by dark tones and muted colors.First known use 19th c.

   The classic example of low key photography is a black cat in a coal cellar. […] The most popular use of low-key photography is in making portraits of celebrities or theatrical personalities. These people demand either dignity or drama, and this type of lightning is appropriate for both.

   1942 November, Victor Keppler, “Key to Good Pictures”, in Popular Photography, →ISSN, page 98

   Antonyms: high-key

2. broadlyfigurativelyRestrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention.First known use 20th c.

   She deserves an Oscar for her low-key performance in that movie.

   5 more examples

   For a low-key, somewhat predictable meal, dinner at Basem's offers good value.

   1984 November 18, Patricia Brooks, “Specials Best at Low-Key Spot”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 22 Apr 2021

   Athena Troxel, chairman of Monday’s Nordstrom fashion show at the Fairmont, a benefit for Project Open Hand, had a relatively low-key birthday this year — just a blitz of dining out with indulgent friends (Susan Andrews lunched her at Trader Vic’s; Debbie Bocci took her to Donatello; Lilly Preiner picked up the tab at PosTrio; Kjorina Peterson brunched her at Campton Place; and her mother organized a barbecue).

   1989 July 11, Bea Pixa, “Bea Pixa’s San Francisco”, in San Francisco Examiner, 125th year, number 26, San Francisco, Calif., →ISSN, →OCLC, page B-2, columns 4–5

   [David Blaine's] deceptively low-key, ultracool manner leaves spectators more amazed than if he'd razzle-dazzled.

   1997 May 19, David Handelman, “The Wizard of Grunge”, in TIME, archived from the original on 05 Nov 2012

   From the Samba band and colourfully-clad dancers that made a lap of Wembley before kick-off - even prompting some neat moves from one or two Brazilian journalists - to the roars of delight every time Neymar got on the ball, it was still a night that contained entertainment despite the increasingly low-key fare on the pitch.

   2017 November 14, Phil McNulty, “England 0-0 Brazil”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 27 Mar 2018

   The relatively low-key opening was attended by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who declared "We have a brand-new station serviced with brand-new lines and new publicly owned trains.

   2023 October 18, Chris Howe, “Network News: Headbolt Lane station opens on Merseyrail”, in RAIL, number 994, page 22

   Antonyms: bedizened, blatant, blingish, brash, campy, catchpenny, chichi, chintzy

comparative more low-key · superlative most low-key · alternative lowkey · alternative low key · alternative lowk · alternative LWK · alternative lwk

1. colloquialIn a low-key or surreptitious manner; secretively; understatedly; on the down-low.

   Synonyms: furtively

2. CanadaUScolloquialUsed as a downtoner; kind of.

   I'm low key salty about the way that nigga did you but it seems like he still cares about you.

   2015, Lady Onyxx, Started From The Top Now I'm Here 3, page 81

   2 more examples

   Before I open the messages, I disable the activity notification so no one will know I'm low-key obsessed with a party I didn't get to attend.

   2018, Rachel Vincent, Strange New World

   “Is this a social experiment? I’m 95 percent sure it is,” said Alex Feinstein, an accountant. “I low-key think it’s an N.Y.U. production.”

   2023 September 25, Becky Hughes, quoting Alex Feinstein, “New York’s Hottest Steakhouse Was a Fake, Until Saturday Night”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 08 Nov 2023

3. colloquialAfrican-American VernacularActually; seriously.

   Lowkey if you talk about any woman like this you gotta die

   2025 April 2, @wenchjaime, Twitter, archived from the original on 21 Jan 2026