What does lowly mean?
Lowly describes someone or something that is humble, modest, or low in social status. The word may characterize a person's manner or spirit, as in “a lowly servant,” or indicate an inferior position or reputation, as in “a lowly office.” Its tone depends on context: it can be respectful when it emphasizes deliberate humility and service, but it can sound demeaning when used to emphasize social inferiority. In modern English, “lowly” is most often formal or literary rather than neutral everyday vocabulary. It is especially familiar from the traditional expression “humble and lowly,” which joins the word with an adjective expressing similar ideas. Although the word can imply low status, it does not necessarily suggest weakness or lack of ability.
Humble in status, manner, or station; unassuming or modest.
"He lived a lowly life devoted to helping others."
Often formal or literary; may be approving when describing humility and potentially disparaging when emphasizing low status.
In a low position or manner; humbly.
"The visitor bowed lowly before the elder."
Chiefly literary or archaic in modern English.
The word “lowly” can describe social standing, but its most enduring power comes from suggesting a deliberate choice of humility rather than weakness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowly come from?
Lowly was formed in the Middle English period by adding the suffix -ly to low. Its modern senses developed from older uses connected with being low in position or station and with humility or submissiveness. The adjective low itself comes from Old English lah, meaning “low” or “near the ground,” and has cognates in other Germanic languages, including Dutch laag and German niedrig.
Related word forms
How lowly is actually used
Lowly is formal or literary in tone. It can sound approving when it emphasizes humility, but disparaging when it suggests low social status or lack of importance.
Easily confused with lowly
Lowly means humble or modest in status or manner, whereas loathly means hateful or detestable.
Lowly describes humility or low status, while lofty describes great height, nobility, or elevated ideals.