lowly

[ loh-lee ]

adjective

, low·li·er, low·li·est.

1. humble in station, condition, or nature:

   a lowly cottage.

2. low in growth or position.
3. humble in attitude, behavior, or spirit; meek.

   Synonyms: unpretentious, simple, modest

adverb

1. in a low position, manner, or degree:

   a lowly placed shelf.

2. in a lowly manner; humbly.
3. in a quiet voice; softly:

   to converse lowly.

lowly

/ ˈləʊlɪ /

adjective

1. humble or low in position, rank, status, etc
2. full of humility; meek
3. simple, unpretentious, or plain

adverb

1. in a low or lowly manner

Derived Forms

• ˈlowliness, noun

Other Words From

• lowli·ly adverb
• lowli·ness noun
• un·lowly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowly¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; low ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

He was a lowly lab assistant at the Pasteur Institute in Paris when he first collected the data that would lead to the discovery of bacteriophages.

From Salon

When Canter booked that runner-up spot at the end of last year he was ranked a lowly 253 in the world.

From BBC

She was the first finalist since the competition began in 2018 to have come from a lowly vocational school, Chinese media reported.

From BBC

The Jets couldn’t keep the lowly New England Patriots at bay, so they’re going to be hard pressed to put the clamps on C.J.

From Los Angeles Times

A change in quarterback helped the lowly Cleveland Browns stun the red-hot Baltimore Ravens, while the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers both won with the last kick of their games.

From BBC

Related Words

• humble