What does lowish mean?
“Lowish” is an informal adjective meaning somewhat low or relatively low. It is used for physical height, numerical levels, quality, risk, comfort, prices, quantities, and even mood: a temperature can be “lowish,” a score can be “lowish,” or a person can say they are “feeling lowish.” Unlike the stronger word “low,” “lowish” softens the statement and usually leaves some room for interpretation. It often appears in phrases such as “a bit lowish,” “a little lowish,” and “pretty lowish,” especially in speech. The word is most natural in conversation and informal writing rather than formal reports, academic prose, or precise technical contexts. Its usefulness lies in expressing a moderate or approximate condition without sounding categorical: it says that something is somewhat below the expected or comfortable level, but does not necessarily imply that it is seriously low.
adjectiveSomewhat or relatively low. “Lowish” is an informal word used when the exact level is unimportant or when describing something as lower than usual, expected, or comfortable.
- Somewhat low in height, level, degree, amount, or quality.
- Feeling somewhat low in mood or spirits.
"The temperature was a bit lowish for an afternoon by the lake."
"The reading was a little lowish, so she raised the brightness."
"He was feeling lowish after the long journey, but a walk helped."
Lowish is the linguistic compromise between “low” and “not quite low”: less emphatic, more conversational, and often just right.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowish come from?
“Lowish” was formed in modern English by adding the informal suffix “-ish” to “low.” The base word “low” comes from Old English “lāg,” related to Old Norse “lāgr” and to forms in other Germanic languages meaning low or lying down. The productive suffix “-ish” has long been used in English to create adjectives meaning somewhat, approximately, or resembling something, as in “reddish” and “childish.” Its application to “low” reflects the same pattern, making “lowish” a relatively recent and informal derivative.
How lowish is actually used
Informal and chiefly conversational. It is common in British and American English but less appropriate in formal writing, where “somewhat low,” “relatively low,” or “slightly below average” may be preferable.
Easily confused with lowish
“Low” states that something is low in an absolute or clearly defined sense, whereas “lowish” is a softer, informal way of saying that it is somewhat low.
“Lowish” means relatively low, while “lowly” means humble, modest, or socially inferior and does not primarily describe height or numerical level.