View synonyms for low-key

low-key

or low·key

[ loh-kee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of reduced intensity; restrained; understated:
Judicial elections used to be low-key affairs, attracting little campaign spending.
(of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast ( high-key ).

Slang. in a restrained or discreet way, or to a limited extent, without trying to attract attention:
I low-key wish I was married with three kids, though it is fun to be single.

, low-keyed, low-key·ing.

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 highlights Compare high-key

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Origin of low-key¹

First recorded in 1890–95

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However, as she feared, The Bell Jar appeared to indifferent notices and the launch—which Ted attended—was rather low-key.

Later that night, this low-key man went out on stage with otherworldly energy.

We prefer the low key spots, where the eating is as cheap as it is delicious.

The Pass is the dressed down, low key spot, while The Provisions is more formal.

In person, Ligety is fairly humble, and low-key—almost enigmatic.

Voices at last, low and muffled, voices pitched in a low key, men talking as in deep confidence.

The girls sit down all the time in a row, and wave their hands and arms about and sing in a low key and in frightful discord.

They continued the conversation, turned into this ominous channel, in the same low key.

"In health you may dash the Potage with a little juyce of Orange" is in the same low key.

He used it to keep his voice in a low key and to measure his words on the great subject.

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