low key

Meaning

To be 'low key' (often spelled low-key) is used to describe something that is kept quiet, modest, or relaxed, without much fuss. In modern slang, it is also used as an adverb meaning 'secretly,' 'subtly,' or 'to a small extent' to express a feeling you might not want to admit loudly.

Examples

• We're having a low-key celebration at home with just a few close friends.

  We're having a low-key celebration at home with just a few close friends.

• I low-key want to cancel my plans tonight and just watch a movie.

  I low-key want to cancel my plans tonight and just watch a movie.

• He was low-key mad that they didn't invite him, even though he said he didn't care.

  He was low-key mad that they didn't invite him, even though he said he didn't care.

• Their wedding was very low-key, which suited their personalities perfectly.

  Their wedding was very low-key, which suited their personalities perfectly.

• I'm low-key excited about the exam being postponed, though I shouldn't be.

  I'm low-key excited about the exam being postponed, though I shouldn't be.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have a low key feeling about this.

  ✓ I low-key feel good about this.

  When used as an adverb to mean 'secretly', it directly modifies the verb (e.g., 'low-key love', 'low-key hate'). Avoid using it as a direct adjective for vague feelings like 'low key feeling'.

• ✗ The party was very low keyed.

  ✓ The party was very low-key.

  'Low-key' is already an adjective. Do not add '-ed' to the end.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I ___ hope they get back together, but don't tell anyone.

  💡 Secretly or subtly wishing for something

  Show answer

  low-key

• Instead of a big party, she wants to keep her birthday very ___.

  💡 Quiet, relaxed, and not flashy

  Show answer

  low-key