adverb

low-key

loh-KEE

Low-key (adverb) means Slightly, quietly or secretly; used before an admission the speaker is only half owning up to. Example: “I'm low-key obsessed with this album.”

adverb

slang Slightly, quietly or secretly; used before an admission the speaker is only half owning up to.

"I'm low-key obsessed with this album."

"She was low-key relieved when the trip got cancelled."

adjective

Deliberately quiet, restrained and not showy.

"They wanted a low-key wedding with about twenty guests."

"The security presence was low-key but effective."

In photography and film, describing an image dominated by dark tones and strong shadows.

"The portrait uses low-key lighting to hide half the face."

How to use low-key

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishQuiet and not making a fuss — or, in slang, "a little bit".

When to use it

The adjective is neutral and fine in any writing; the adverb is informal slang.

Memory tip

As slang it goes directly before the verb or adjective it softens: "I low-key love it."

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

lowkey high-key laid-back

Common pairings

low-key event keep it low-key low-key lighting low-key obsessed

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I'm _____ obsessed with this album.

Etymology

From low + key.

Synonyms

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secretly slightly kind of quietly understated restrained subdued modest muted

Antonyms

high-key openly flashy showy high-profile

Related words

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Rhymes for low-key

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for low-key →

Frequently asked questions

What does low-key mean in slang?

Used as an adverb, it softens whatever comes next: it means "a bit", "secretly" or "I'm slightly embarrassed to admit this". "I low-key want to leave early" means you do want to leave early, but you are downplaying it.

What is the difference between low-key and high-key?

As slang adverbs they are opposites of intensity: low-key downplays an admission, while high-key makes it emphatic and open. In photography the pair refers to lighting instead — low-key images are dark and shadowy, high-key images are bright and shadow-free.

Is low-key hyphenated?

The adjective is usually hyphenated before a noun ("a low-key event"). The slang adverb is written both as "low-key" and as one word, "lowkey", with the one-word form common online.

What is the meaning of low-key?

"low-key" (adverb) means slightly, quietly or secretly; used before an admission the speaker is only half owning up to.

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