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Lower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฝ
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lower

[หˆloสŠษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a comparison

comparative of low

Synonyms

inferior, lesser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lower

Another usage for 'lower' can refer to physically moving something to a position below.

  • He had to lower the blinds because the sun was too bright.
lesser

Used to describe something of smaller importance, size, or degree in comparison to something else.

  • He chose the lesser of two evils.
inferior

Typically implies a negative connotation, meaning of lesser quality, value, or importance.

  • The new smartphone model is considered inferior to the previous one.

Examples of usage

  • His score was lower than hers.
  • The temperature is lower today.
Context #2 | Noun

below the normal or standard

a lower level or rank

Synonyms

bottom, under.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lower

Use when referring to reducing the level, amount, or position of something.โ€‹

  • Please lower the volume of the TV.
  • She lowered her voice to a whisper.
bottom

Use when referring to the lowest part or point of something.โ€‹

  • The treasure was hidden at the bottom of the ocean.
  • He placed the book at the bottom of the stack.
under

Use when referring to something being beneath or covered by something else.

  • The cat is hiding under the table.
  • Please put the papers under the folder.

Examples of usage

  • He moved to a lower position in the company.
  • She lives on the lower floor.
Context #3 | Verb

move or cast down

to lower the flag

Synonyms

decrease, reduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lower

This word is often used when physically moving something to a lower position, or metaphorically to indicate a reduction in level or intensity.

  • Please lower the volume of the TV.
  • They need to lower the flag at sunset.
reduce

This word is often used in a technical or scientific context to describe making something smaller or less in quantity, size, or degree.

  • We aim to reduce our carbon footprint.
  • He decided to reduce his workload.
decrease

This word is commonly used to describe a reduction in numbers or quantities over time.

  • The companyโ€™s profits have decreased this year.
  • We need to decrease the amount of sugar in our diet.

Examples of usage

  • He lowered his voice.
  • She lowered the volume of the music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Physics

  • In physics, lower can refer to an objectโ€™s gravitational potential energy when it is at a lower height.
  • The concept of lowering something can be seen in everyday actions, such as lowering the volume on a device.
  • The idea of lower also applies to temperature: cooling something means its temperature goes lower.

Psychology

  • Lower can relate to emotional states, where feeling lower might indicate sadness or depression.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests when tasks become lower in difficulty, they can lead to better learning outcomes.
  • The term is often used in motivational contexts; lowering expectations can sometimes reduce anxiety.

Music

  • In music, lower notes create deeper sounds, which can evoke a sense of calmness or seriousness.
  • A lower pitch can make voices sound more stable or authoritative in a performance.
  • In orchestration, lower instruments like cellos and basses provide a foundation for harmony.

Cultural References

  • In literature, 'lower' is often used metaphorically to describe moral or ethical decline.
  • Songs that speak about feeling lower often relate to personal challenges or heartaches.
  • Cinematically, the concept of a lower socioeconomic status is often explored in stories about struggle and resilience.

Origin of 'lower'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'lowera', which means 'lesser' or 'lower'.
  • Related words in other languages include the German 'niedriger' and the Dutch 'lager', both meaning lower.
  • It has roots in Proto-Germanic 'leudaz', which hinted at a sense of being lower in position.

The word 'lower' has its origins in Old English 'hlฤwer' which meant 'to bend, cause to bend, make low'. Over time, it has evolved to have various meanings related to position, comparison, or degree. The use of 'lower' as a comparative adjective is common in English language to indicate a lesser degree or rank.

See also: below, low, lowball, lowbrow, lowest, lowlife, lowliness, lowly, lowness.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #382, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.