lower
lower Lexical Profile
lower Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Comparative form of low: less high in position, level, value, or intensity.
"Please place the heavy boxes on the lower shelf so they are easier to reach."
Designating the southern or downstream part of a geographical region or river, or an earlier geological stratum.
"The expedition sailed down the lower Nile toward the Mediterranean delta."
Less advanced in evolutionary complexity or ranked below another group in a formal hierarchy.
"The biology textbook begins by examining simple cellular processes in lower organisms."
• verb
To reduce or diminish in amount, value, degree, intensity, or pitch.
"Regular physical exercise and a balanced diet can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease."
To move, let down, or bring something to a less elevated physical position.
"The crew carefully began to lower the lifeboat into the calm water during the safety drill."
To degrade, demean, or cause a loss of dignity or respect (often used reflexively).
"She refused to lower herself by responding to the petty rumors circulating in the office."
To look dark, gloomy, and threatening, or to frown sullenly (especially of the sky, weather, or a person's brow).
"Heavy storm clouds began to lower over the mountain peaks as evening approached."
• adverb
Comparative form of low: in or to a less high position, pitch, level, or degree.
"The pilot flew lower to get a clearer view of the coastline below the clouds."
• noun
That which is positioned below another, such as a bottom bunk, a lower deck berth, or a mandibular denture.
"When we booked our overnight train compartments, I requested a lower so I would not have to climb a ladder."
A dark, threatening, or gloomy appearance of the sky, or a sullen scowl on a person's face.
"He greeted the unwelcome visitors with a sullen lower that made his displeasure obvious."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'lower' comprises two homographs with distinct pronunciations and origins: the common comparative of 'low' (pronounced /ˈloʊər/), and the literary verb/noun meaning to scowl or look threatening (pronounced /ˈlaʊər/, rhyming with 'power').
• Rhymes for lower
Word Origin & Etymology
The common comparative and causative verb derive from Middle English 'laher', from Old Norse 'lágr' meaning 'low'. The homograph meaning to scowl or threaten comes from Middle English 'louren', related to Middle Low German 'luren' meaning 'to lie in wait'.