lows
lows — verb
- lowspresent simple I / you / we / they
- lowses3rd person singular
- lowsing-ing form
- lowsedpast simple
1. to produce the long, deep calling sound that cows and cattle make
to produce the long, deep calling sound that cows and cattle make
The herd of cattle began to low as the farmer approached the gate.
intransitive: animal subject + low
From across the misty field, Nala heard a lone cow lowing softly.
present participle: lowing
The calf lowed for its mother after getting separated near the stream.
All night the restless cows lowed in the barn before the storm.
The old bull lowed once, and the whole herd slowly turned towards the feeding shed.
文法句型
[cow, cattle, or similar animal] + low
用法筆記
Subject is always a cow, bull, calf, or group of cattle. This word is literary and far less common in everyday speech than 'moo.' Note: this verb is a homograph with a separate origin — it comes from Old English 'hlōwan' (to low, bellow), while the adjective, noun, and adverb senses all descend from Old Norse 'lágr' (short, low).
常見錯誤
lows — noun
1. the smallest number, deepest depth, or bottom-most position that something reach
the smallest number, deepest depth, or bottom-most position that something reaches — used for things like prices, temperatures, water levels, or measurements
Temperatures across the valley fell to a record low of minus twenty-two degrees.
collocation: record low
The river reached its lowest low in August, exposing rocks nobody had seen before.
Amelia bought the shares at a low and sold them six weeks later for a profit.
Oil prices dropped to a new low after the global summit ended without agreement.
Vikram checked the overnight low on the thermometer before heading out the door.
文法句型
fall to + a low
reach + a low
record low
all-time low
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (DIFFICULT PERIOD): this sense is about measurable quantities — temperature, price, depth — rather than emotional hardship. The word combines freely with modifiers like 'record', 'new', 'all-time', and 'historic'.
常見錯誤
2. a stretch of time when someone feels deeply unhappy or faces serious hardship, e
a stretch of time when someone feels deeply unhappy or faces serious hardship, especially when contrasted with better periods before or after
Nellie went through a real low after her mother passed away that winter.
collocation: go through a low
The months after the factory closed were the lowest low of Tamar's working life.
Every long marriage has its highs and lows — that is perfectly normal.
Hyun hit a low during his second year of university and nearly dropped out.
Cyrus helped his younger sister through a low by visiting her every evening after work.
- slump
suggests a sudden drop in mood or fortune, often shorter and sharper than a low
- trough
more formal; often used in economic or statistical contexts
- rough patch
informal; implies a cluster of difficulties rather than a single emotional dip
- high
a period of great happiness or success
文法句型
go through + a low
hit + a low
highs and lows
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'lows' and paired with 'highs' to describe life's alternating good and bad periods. The noun always follows a determiner such as 'a', 'the', or a possessive.
常見錯誤
3. a large mass of air where the pressure is lower than the surrounding areas, usua
a large mass of air where the pressure is lower than the surrounding areas, usually bringing clouds, strong winds, or rain
A deep low moved in from the Atlantic, bringing two days of heavy rain to the coastal towns.
collocation: a deep low
The forecast showed a low sitting over the North Sea for most of the weekend.
domain: meteorology
Marta's flight was delayed because a low was pushing dense fog across the runway.
Amira cancelled the picnic after hearing a low would arrive by late afternoon.
The meteorologist pointed at the low on the chart and warned of possible thunderstorms.
- depression
more technical; the standard term in professional meteorology
- cyclone
refers specifically to a low-pressure system with rotating winds; not all lows are cyclones
- high
an area of high atmospheric pressure, typically bringing clear skies
文法句型
a low + verb (moves, sits, brings)
a deep low
用法筆記
Common in weather forecasts and meteorology reports. A 'low' typically brings unsettled weather — cloud, wind, or precipitation. In this sense the word is never pluralised as 'lows'; it always takes 'a' or 'the'.
4. the gear in a car, truck, or other vehicle that gives the strongest pulling forc
the gear in a car, truck, or other vehicle that gives the strongest pulling force but the slowest speed — used for starting off, towing something heavy, or climbing a steep slope
Joshua shifted into low as the pickup climbed the steep dirt track toward the farm.
collocation: shift into low
Put the car in low before you start driving down that icy slope.
collocation: put [vehicle] in low
Reuben kept the jeep in low the whole way up the winding mountain pass.
You need low for towing a heavy trailer up a long, steep hill.
Keisha kept the jeep in low for the whole muddy stretch, afraid the tyres would slip if she changed gear.
- first gear
the standard term in British English; used in both formal and informal contexts
- bottom gear
British English; somewhat less common than 'first gear'
- high gear
the gear for the fastest speeds, used on motorways and open roads
文法句型
in low
into low
shift into low
put [vehicle] in low
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the phrases 'in low' and 'into low'. In these constructions the word rarely takes an article. This sense is mainly American English; British speakers more often say 'first gear' or 'bottom gear'.
常見錯誤
lows — adjective
- lowspositive
- lowsercomparative
- lowsestsuperlative
1. measuring only a short distance from bottom to top; not extending far upward
measuring only a short distance from bottom to top; not extending far upward
The low stone wall around Renata's garden was easy for children to climb over.
low + wall: describing a structure's height
Jin had to bend down to step through the low doorway of the old cottage.
A low table at the centre of the room held tea cups and biscuits.
Eleni chose a chair with a low back so the room would feel more open.
The plane flew over low hills stretching across the northern part of the island.
文法句型
low + noun (wall, table, hill, building)
常見錯誤
2. positioned at a short distance above the ground, floor, or bottom surface of som
positioned at a short distance above the ground, floor, or bottom surface of something
Hassan hung the picture too low, so everyone had to crouch to see it properly.
hung + low: describing position after an action
The branches of the oak tree hung low enough for Tamar to reach them.
Adina noticed dark clouds sitting low over the hills as she walked home.
A low shelf by the kitchen door held the family's collection of wellington boots.
The sun was low in the sky when Arjun finally left the office.
- ground-level
exactly at the same height as the ground, more technical
- low-hanging
used only for things that hang, like branches or clouds
文法句型
verb + low (hang low, sit low, fly low)
用法筆記
Often appears as a complement after verbs like 'hang', 'sit', 'bend', and 'fly' rather than before a noun.
3. smaller than normal in quantity, level, or measurable degree — for example, a lo
smaller than normal in quantity, level, or measurable degree — for example, a low temperature, a low price, or a low score
The temperature stayed low all week, so Beatrix wore two jumpers to work.
low + temperature: describing a measurable level
Attendance at the football match was surprisingly low after the heavy rain on Friday.
Shirin felt disappointed when she received a low mark on her final history paper.
These low prices will not last long, so Madison decided to buy the sofa today.
The river was dangerously low after three months without any rain in the valley.
- reduced
implies something was higher before and has been brought down
- depressed
formal; often used in economics for prices or demand
- diminished
formal; suggests a gradual decrease over time
文法句型
low + noun (temperature, price, attendance)
low in + noun (low in fat, low in sugar)
用法筆記
Used with nouns that describe measurable quantities. Also appears in the pattern 'low in + noun' when talking about the content of food or materials.
常見錯誤
4. making only a little sound, or giving off only gentle heat or dim light
making only a little sound, or giving off only gentle heat or dim light
Anong kept the television at a low volume so the baby could sleep.
low volume: describing quiet sound level
The lamp gave a low, warm light that made the living room feel peaceful.
Renata spoke in a low voice because she did not want anyone else to hear.
Cook the soup on a low heat for twenty minutes before adding the herbs.
Eleni preferred the low glow of a small lamp to the harsh ceiling light.
文法句型
low + noun (voice, volume, light, heat)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense adj/8 ('low in pitch'): this sense describes quietness or gentleness of sound, light, or heat — not how deep or high a musical note is.
常見錯誤
5. not reaching an acceptable level of quality, workmanship, or standard — for exam
not reaching an acceptable level of quality, workmanship, or standard — for example, low-quality fabric, poor work standards, or low expectations
The restaurant had low reviews, so Hassan chose a different place for his birthday dinner.
low reviews: describing poor public opinion
Talia complained that the fabric felt low in quality and tore after one wash.
low in quality: describing substandard material
Arjun refused to accept the low standard of work the builders had left behind.
The family's expectations for the hotel were quite low after reading several bad reviews online.
Jin returned the shoes because the low-quality stitching made the sole come off.
- poor
the most direct synonym; slightly more formal
- inferior
formal; stresses comparison with something better
- shoddy
implies badly made with cheap materials
- substandard
formally below an accepted level or official standard
文法句型
low + quality/standard/grade
of low quality
low-quality + noun
用法筆記
Most often appears with the nouns 'quality', 'standard', and 'grade'. In attributive position, hyphenate as 'low-quality'.
常見錯誤
6. having little power, importance, or social position within a group or organisati
having little power, importance, or social position within a group or organisation
Beatrix held a low position at the company but worked her way up to manager.
low position: describing junior rank in a workplace
As a junior assistant, Fatima held such a low rank in the office that she rarely attended important meetings.
low rank — describing junior position in a hierarchy
In the army, soldiers of low rank must follow every order without question.
Tamar felt her low status in the group because she was the newest member.
Madison worried that taking a low-level job after university would hurt her future career.
- humble
often positive in tone; suggests modesty rather than lack of value
- menial
describes unskilled work; can sound negative or dismissive
- subordinate
formal; describes a position below someone else in rank
- junior
implies less experience or shorter time in a role
文法句型
low + rank/status/position/priority
low-level + noun (job, position)
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person or their role within a hierarchy — workplace, military, or social group. Rarely used for objects.
7. describes actions or behaviour that are dishonest, unfair, or cruel, and that mo
describes actions or behaviour that are dishonest, unfair, or cruel, and that most people would see as wrong
Hana told a low lie about her friend to get the job.
low + lie — a dishonest statement
Spreading rumours about a former coworker was a low tactic that cost Yuki the trust of the team.
low tactic — a dishonest or unfair action
Stealing from the charity box was the lowest thing Trang had ever seen.
Andrei refused to join the low scheme to cheat the old man.
Isabela felt ashamed when her own low behaviour was brought up at dinner.
- dishonourable
more formal; used of conduct that brings shame
- mean
more common in everyday speech; less severe
- despicable
stronger; suggests the action deserves hatred or disgust
- noble
morally good and generous
- honourable
deserving respect for being fair and honest
用法筆記
Often used before nouns describing actions (trick, blow, scheme) rather than to describe a person directly.
常見錯誤
8. describes a sound or musical note that sits at the bottom end of the scale, with
describes a sound or musical note that sits at the bottom end of the scale, with a deep, rumbling quality — like a man's bass voice or the thick sound of a large drum
Kevin's voice was so low that the microphone barely picked it up.
low + voice — deep in pitch
The cello played a low note that rumbled through the concert hall.
Mei's voice sits naturally low in pitch, so the choir director placed her in the bass section.
Owen loved the low sound of the bass guitar more than any other instrument.
The low hum of the fridge was the only sound in the kitchen at midnight.
- high
at the top end of the pitch scale
- high-pitched
specifically for sounds; opposite of low-pitched
- shrill
high and unpleasant to the ears
用法筆記
Distinguish from the sense describing quiet sounds (low volume): this sense is about pitch only. A low voice can still be loud — it is simply deep, not quiet.
常見錯誤
9. experiencing a sad mood with little energy or motivation, so that ordinary activ
experiencing a sad mood with little energy or motivation, so that ordinary activities feel difficult to manage
Paul felt low for weeks after his dog passed away.
feel + low — be in a sad emotional state
Diya was so low she stayed in bed all morning.
After the break-up, Lina felt so low that she stopped meeting friends for coffee.
Tamar's low mood lifted a little when her neighbour brought over fresh bread.
The news left the whole office feeling low for the rest of the week.
文法句型
feel + low
look + low
seem + low
用法筆記
Almost always used after verbs like 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'. The phrase 'be low' on its own sounds incomplete — say 'feel low' or 'be in low spirits' instead.
常見錯誤
10. in basketball, describes the area of the court near the hoop where players take
in basketball, describes the area of the court near the hoop where players take position to receive passes, grab rebounds, or score from short range
Mert scored most of his points from the low post during the match.
low post — the area near the basket in basketball
The centre established a strong low-post position, called for the ball, and scored over the defender.
low-post position — basketball area near the hoop
Owen's low positioning near the baseline gave him several easy rebounds.
Lena spent an hour each practice working on her footwork in the low post near the baseline.
Trang's team ran a play designed to get the ball into the low block.
用法筆記
Used only in basketball. Common in phrases like 'low post' and 'low block'. Compare with 'high post' (area further from the basket near the free-throw line).
lows — adverb
1. in a position close to the floor or the earth, not raised up high
in a position close to the floor or the earth, not raised up high
The helicopter flew low over the rooftops, shaking windows as it passed.
fly low
Wei bent low to pick up the coin from under the bench.
bend low
Ilan hung the painting low on the wall so the children could see it.
The kite dipped low and nearly hit the top of a pine tree.
Ife crouched low behind the sofa, hoping nobody would spot her.
- close to the ground
more descriptive, less common as a single adverb
- near the earth
more literary or poetic in tone
- high
at a great vertical distance from the ground
文法句型
verb + low
2. in a way that is small in degree, amount, or intensity, not large or strong
in a way that is small in degree, amount, or intensity, not large or strong
Jenna turned the volume low so the neighbours would not complain.
turn something low
The shop set the price low to bring in first-time customers.
set something low
The thermostat on the water heater is set too low, so the shower never gets truly warm.
Quan keeps the heater low even in winter to cut his bills.
Yara always keeps her hopes low so she is never let down.
- high
at a great level, degree, or intensity
文法句型
verb + low
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (NEAR THE GROUND): this sense describes level or intensity, not physical height.
3. having nearly used up all of something, with only a small amount left
having nearly used up all of something, with only a small amount left
Mira was running low on patience after waiting in line for two hours.
run low on + noun
The clinic is low on blood for surgeries planned later this week.
be low on + noun
Diya checked the fridge and saw they were low on milk and eggs.
Our team's energy ran low during the last ten minutes of the match.
Mathieu's phone battery was low, so he switched off the screen.
文法句型
run low on + noun
be low on + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'run' or 'be.' When naming the item in short supply, use 'on': 'low on money,' not 'low of money.'
常見錯誤
lows — biographical name
1. Sir David Low (1891–1963) was a New Zealand-born British political cartoonist, b
Sir David Low (1891–1963) was a New Zealand-born British political cartoonist, best known for his satirical drawings published in the Evening Standard and The Guardian during the mid-twentieth century.
Low's cartoons of Hitler angered the Nazis so much that they demanded Britain apologise.
possessive form: Low's cartoons
The young Low arrived in London from New Zealand in 1919 with only his drawing pens.
subject position: the young Low
The teacher showed a 1939 Low cartoon of Hitler, pointing out how the artist made the dictator look absurd.
A biography of Low published in 1985 traced his influence on generations of political cartoonists.
The museum's new exhibit places Low alongside other great satirists of the twentieth century.