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Lowlier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lowlier

[ˈloʊliər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

social status

Lowlier refers to someone or something that is of lower social status, rank, or quality compared to others. It implies a sense of inferiority or subordination in a hierarchical context.

Synonyms

inferior, lesser, lower, subordinate.

Examples of usage

  • She felt lowlier than her peers in the corporate world.
  • The lowlier creatures in the ecosystem play a vital role.
  • He was often treated as the lowlier member of the team.
Context #2 | Adjective

moral standing

Lowlier can also describe someone who has a lower moral standing or ethical value than others. This usage conveys a sense of being morally deficient or less virtuous.

Synonyms

base, depraved, immoral, wicked.

Examples of usage

  • His actions revealed a lowlier character than he had portrayed.
  • She disapproved of the lowlier lives led by some in her community.
  • The lowlier motives behind his decisions were exposed.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare used variants of the word in plays, often to convey themes of humility and social class.
  • In literature, characters described as lowly often evoke sympathy and highlight themes of isolation or struggle.
  • The concept often appears in fables and parables, where the lowlier character eventually rises to greatness.

Psychology

  • Feeling lowlier can impact self-esteem and mental health, leading to issues like anxiety or depression.
  • Social comparison theory suggests people often feel lowlier when comparing themselves to those they perceive as more successful.
  • Understanding one's value independently of comparisons can help combat feelings of being lowlier.

Cultural Perspective

  • In many cultures, striving for humility is seen as a virtue, often celebrated in stories and proverbs.
  • In hierarchical societies, being described as lowly can serve to consolidate power dynamics.
  • Some cultures celebrate the lowly, viewing them as embodying wisdom and authenticity, such as in Zen Buddhism.

Social Dynamics

  • The term often comes up in discussions about privilege, where those with more privilege may be perceived as high and others as lowlier.
  • In workplaces, employees may feel lowlier than management, affecting teamwork and communication.
  • Promoting inclusivity can address feelings of being lowlier within various social and professional environments.

Origin of 'lowlier'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Lowly' comes from the Old English word 'lowlige,' meaning 'humble or low in status.'
  • Adding '-ier' makes it a comparative form, suggesting something is even more lowly than another.
  • This word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe social standings.

The term 'lowlier' is derived from the root word 'low', which comes from the Old English 'lōw', meaning 'not high, low in position, rank, or status'. The suffix '-ier' is used to form comparative adjectives in English, indicating a lower degree of a quality. The etymology of 'low' can be traced further back to Germanic and Indo-European roots, where it held similar meanings related to physical height and metaphorical status. The expression has evolved over centuries, gaining connotations associated with moral and social hierarchies. Originally, the concept of being 'low' could refer simply to geophysical elevation, but as language developed, it became more associated with human relationships and societal structures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,085, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.