low-key

[loh-kee]

low-key

[loh-kee] adjective, verb, low-keyed, low-key·ing.
adjective Also, low-keyed.
1.
of reduced intensity; restrained; understated.
2.
(of a photograph) having chiefly dark tones, usually with little tonal contrast (distinguished from high-key).
verb (used with object)
3.
to make or attempt to make low-key: to low-key the arms buildup.

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Low-key is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
to spend time idly; loaf.
to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.

Origin:
1890–95
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To low-key
Collins
World English Dictionary
low-key or low-keyed
 
adj
1.  having a low intensity or tone
2.  restrained, subdued, or understated
3.  Compare high-key (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of dark grey tones or dark colours with few highlights
 
low-keyed or low-keyed
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Slang Dictionary

low-key definition


  1. mod.
    not obvious; not hyped. : Let's try to keep this low-key so as not to upset the family.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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