lower
pronunciation
How to pronounce lower in British English:
UK [ˈləʊə(r) , ˈlaʊə(r)]
How to pronounce lower in American English:
US [ˈloʊər , ˈlaʊər]
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- Noun:
- the lower of two berths
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- Verb:
- move something or somebody to a lower position
- set lower
- cause to drop or sink
- make lower or quieter
- look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval
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- Adjective:
- (usually preceded by `no') lower in esteem
- inferior in rank or status
- the bottom one of two
- of the underworld
Word Origin
- lower (v.1)
- c. 1600, "to descend, sink," from lower (adj.), from Middle English lahghere (c. 1200), comparative of low (adj.). Transitive meaning "to let down, to cause to descend" attested from 1650s. Related: Lowered; lowering. In the sense "to cause to descend" the simple verb low (Middle English lahghenn, c. 1200) was in use into the 18c.
- lower (v.2)
- "to look dark and threatening," also lour, Middle English louren, luren "to frown" (early 13c.), "to lurk" (mid-15c.), from Old English *luran or from its cognates, Middle Low German luren, Middle Dutch loeren "lie in wait." Form perhaps assimilated to lower (1). Related: Lowered; lowering.
- lower (adj.)
- c. 1200, lahre, comparative of lah (see low (adj.)).
Example
- 1. The chinese are also buying lower priced items .
- 2. The white house tried to lower expectations thursday .
- 3. Slower growth means lower profits for listed companies .
- 4. That battle will now return to the lower courts .
- 5. Commissions have been pushed lower by cut-throat competition and new technology .