What does lowered mean?
“Lowered” chiefly means moved down or reduced in level, intensity, amount, or value. It is the past tense and past participle of “lower,” and it can refer to physical movement, as when someone lowers a flag or lowers a ladder, as well as to a decrease in sound, temperature, price, pressure, or emotional intensity. The word also has a broader figurative sense of reducing rank, status, importance, or confidence. When used before a noun, it often describes something brought below its former level: a lowered voice, ceiling, rate, or price. Its usage is standard in both British and American English. Although “lowered” and “louder” can be confused in speech, their meanings are opposite: lowering reduces something, while making something louder increases it.
To move something to a lower position or level, or reduce its intensity, amount, or value.
"The driver lowered the window to let in some fresh air."
The simple past tense and past participle of “lower.”
Reduced in height, level, volume, value, or emotional intensity.
"He spoke in a lowered tone to avoid attracting attention."
Common chiefly when placed before a noun; otherwise it is normally understood as a verbal form.
A lowered voice is quieter, not louder—a small but useful distinction for speakers, listeners, and editors.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowered come from?
The base word “lower” comes through Middle English from Old English hlōwar, the comparative of hlōh, meaning “low.” Its historical comparative sense developed into the modern adjective and verb used for things that are below another level or that can be brought down. “Lowered” was formed by adding the regular English past-tense and past-participle ending “-ed.”
Related word forms
How lowered is actually used
As a verb form, “lowered” is the simple past tense and past participle of “lower.” It is also used attributively as an adjective, as in “a lowered voice,” but the simple past or participial use is more common.
Easily confused with lowered
“Lowered” means reduced in volume or level, whereas “louder” means increased in volume.