low-key

adjective

restrained in style or quality

-

a little masterpiece of low-keyed eloquence

• Syn: ↑low-keyed, ↑subdued

• Similar to: ↑restrained

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adj

muted, quiet, restrained, subdued, understated, easy-going, relaxed, subtle, slight, soft

≠ showy, impressive

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[adjective]

subdued, muted, quiet, restrained, toned down, understated

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▶ adjective RESTRAINED, modest, understated, muted, subtle, quiet, low-profile, inconspicuous, unostentatious, unobtrusive, discreet, toned-down.

Opposites

ostentatious, obtrusive.

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\\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ adjective

Etymology: from the phrase low key

1. : of low intensity : restrained, low-keyed

2. photography : having or producing dark tones only with little contrast

a low-key picture

— compare key 10d

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/loh"kee"/, adj., v., low-keyed, low-keying.

adj. Also, low-keyed.

1. of reduced intensity; restrained; understated.

2. (of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (distinguished from high-key).

v.t.

3. to make or attempt to make low-key: to low-key the arms buildup.

[1890-95]

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lowˈ-keyˈ adjective

1. (in painting or photography) in mostly dark tones or colours, with few if any highlights

2. Undramatic, understated, restrained

3. (of a person) not easily excited, showing no visible reaction

• • •

Main Entry: ↑low

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low-key UK US adjective

without much activity or reaction

He received a low-key but respectful welcome.

Thesaurus: peaceful and peacefulness_synonym

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low-key «LOH KEE», adjective.

understated; played down: »

To take account of French feelings, the British are reported to be willing to settle for a very low-key communiqué that would not present the nuclear force as a great new development of NATO (New York Times).

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1.

adj. not elaborate, showy, or intensive; modest or restrained

their wedding was a very quiet, low-key affair

■ Art & Photography having a predominance of dark or muted tones

2.

v. [trans.] behave or speak with restraint

[as adj.] a very simple, low-keyed style

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/ˈloʊˈkiː/ (also low-keyed) /ˈloʊˈkiːd/ adj [more \low-key; most \low-key]

: quiet and relaxed : not very forceful, emotional, or noticeable

a politician with a low-key style

The party was a low-key affair.

a low-key approach to management

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ˌlow-ˈkey [low-key] adjective

not intended to attract a lot of attention

•

Their wedding was a very low-key affair.

 

Example Bank:

•

We have a fairly low-key approach to discipline.

•

We want to keep the whole affair as low-key as possible.

•

The announcement was relatively low-key.

•

The wedding was a low-key affair, with just family and close friends.