Lowkey in slang means a little or secretly, used to soften an admission you don't want to make a big deal of, as in I lowkey love this song. The dictionary spelling is low-key, meaning restrained or understated, while the slang lowkey is written as one word in texting. Slang lowkey is only for friends; in neutral speech and IELTS Speaking, say a bit or secretly, and in an essay, somewhat.
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lowkey + adjective/verb; keep it lowkey; opposite: highkey
- I'm lowkey nervous about the interview tomorrow morning.
- She lowkey wants to switch jobs but hasn't told anyone yet.
- This song is lowkey the best one on the whole album.
What changed
First versionIn conclusion, the results of the reform are lowkey disappointing.
RevisionIn conclusion, the results of the reform are somewhat disappointing.
Lowkey is texting slang, and In conclusion signals that this is the conclusion of an essay — the word clashes with that neutral tone. In writing, somewhat before an adjective conveys the same idea of a little, to some extent.
Lowkey has a slang opposite, highkey, meaning very, openly: lowkey excited means pleased but keeping it to yourself, while highkey excited means thrilled and not hiding it at all.
Your turn
It's not a big deal, but I'm ___ annoyed that nobody replied in the group chat.
Show the answer
lowkey — The opening It's not a big deal shows the annoyance is mild, so lowkey, meaning slightly, fits. Highkey means very, openly, and doesn't match that opening.
Write a sentence about something you lowkey think or feel but don't usually say out loud — about studies, work or personal plans.
I'm lowkey thinking about quitting my job, but I haven't told my family yet.
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