Meaning of low-key | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Dark; characterized by dark tones and muted colors.
2. Restrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention.
   broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“The classic example of low key photography is a black cat in a coal cellar. […] The most popular use of low-key photography is in making portraits of celebrities or theatrical personalities. These people demand either dignity or drama, and this type of lightning is appropriate for both.”

“She deserves an Oscar for her low-key performance in that movie.”

“For a low-key, somewhat predictable meal, dinner at Basem's offers good value.”

“[David Blaine's] deceptively low-key, ultracool manner leaves spectators more amazed than if he'd razzle-dazzled.”

“From the Samba band and colourfully-clad dancers that made a lap of Wembley before kick-off - even prompting some neat moves from one or two Brazilian journalists - to the roars of delight every time Neymar got on the ball, it was still a night that contained entertainment despite the increasingly low-key fare on the pitch.”

“The relatively low-key opening was attended by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who declared "We have a brand-new station serviced with brand-new lines and new publicly owned trains.”

“[Senator Todd] Young is a low-key Indiana lawmaker with an enthusiasm for wonky, but important national security issues. He's a protégé of the late Sen. Richard Lugar, a low-key Indiana lawmaker who had an enthusiasm for wonky but important national security issues.”

CEFR level