B2verb1K

Lower

UK /["/ˈləʊə(r)/","/ˈləʊəz/","/ˈləʊəd/","/ˈləʊərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈləʊər/","/ˈləʊərz/","/ˈləʊərd/","/ˈləʊərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to reduce something or to become less in value, quality, etc.

In simple words: to make something less high or to decrease it

Examples

  • The manager decided to lower the prices to attract more customers.
  • Please lower your voice; I am trying to concentrate.
  • The artist aims to lower the saturation of the colors in the painting.
  • He had to lower his expectations after hearing the feedback.
  • The bridge must be lowered before the boat can pass underneath.
  • As the sun began to lower, shadows stretched across the field.
  • They decided to lower the flag at sunset, as per tradition.
  • You need to lower the volume of the music; it’s too loud.

Usage notes

Use 'lower' when referring to reducing something physically or metaphorically. It’s appropriate in most contexts, but avoid using it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

lower + object

Memory hint

Think of a lift going down — it's lowering!

Collocations

  • carefully
  • gently
  • gradually
  • into
  • onto
  • to
  • carefully
  • gently
  • gradually
  • into
  • onto
  • to

Synonyms

  • demean

Antonyms

  • raise
  • increase
  • elevate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'lowered' when describing past actions.
  • Incorrectly using 'lower' as an adjective instead of a verb.
  • Mistaking 'lower' for 'less' in some contexts.