- having a low intensity or tone
- restrained, subdued, or understated
- (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlights
Compare high-key
- in a low-key manner
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈlow-ˈkey or ˈlow-ˈkeyed,
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- of reduced strength, amount, power, or intensity;
restrained:a low-key reception.
low-key
(lō′kē′),USA pronunciation adj., v., -keyed, -key•ing.
adj. Also, low′-keyed′.
v.t.
adj. Also, low′-keyed′.
- of reduced intensity;
restrained;
understated. - Photography(of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (distinguished from high-key).
v.t.
- to make or attempt to make low-key:to low-key the arms buildup.
- 1890–95
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
low-key, low-keyed adj