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