low-key

Or low·key

[loh-kee]

adjective

1. of reduced intensity; restrained; understated.

   Judicial elections used to be low-key affairs, attracting little campaign spending.

2. (of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (high-key ).

adverb

1. 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.

verb (used with object)

low-keyed, low-keying 

1. to make or attempt to make low-key.

   to low-key the arms buildup.

low-key

adjective

1. having a low intensity or tone

2. restrained, subdued, or understated

3. (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlights Compare high-key

Word History and Origins

Origin of low-key¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The piano and the massive horse aside, Gibson says her home in the Vegas suburbs is “normal and low-key. I wake up every day to views of the mountains.”

From Los Angeles Times

The show’s music and lyrics are credited to Max Martin and friends — which sounds like a low-key cool table at the Grammy Awards.

From Los Angeles Times

His low-key quisling turn was entirely in character, and not nearly enough to explain the media’s collective sense of betrayal.

From Salon

The Vance trip is another opportunity to do that, though this visit promises to be a much more low-key, private affair.

From BBC

A low-key Murphy, whose “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” sequel was released straight-to-streaming by Netflix last year, is the responsible adult here.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• easygoing 
• laid-back 
• muted 
• quiet 
• relaxed 
• restrained 
• sober 
• subtle 
• understated 

When To Use

What else does low-key mean?

Low-key can variously mean "quiet," "restrained," "moderate," or "easygoing." It can also behave as an adverb meaning "of low or moderate intensity." Like doing something, but in a "chill" way. For instance: We're having a party at my place but keeping it low-key so the neighbors don't complain.