lowly

[loh-lee]

adjective

lowlier, lowliest 

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

Other Word Forms

• lowlily adverb
• lowliness noun
• unlowly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowly¹

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

Example Sentences

Solo Leveling - which charts a lowly monster hunter's rise to power - is a classic tale of the triumph of an underdog.

From BBC

Yet Dodgers manager Dave Roberts insisted there would be no overlooking the lowly Rockies and no looking ahead to the Padres’ series.

From Los Angeles Times

Alice says she felt let down by the company and was given the impression that, in a "lowly role as a production worker", she should just "be grateful and get on with it".

From BBC

Highwaymen rogues, buccaneers, cut-throats, they were like young princes to me, still only a lowly dishwasher.

From Salon

The lowly finishing position was largely expected by the team, who were happy to see both cars come home after 24 hours of racing.

From BBC

Related Words

• humble