Lower - Wikipedia-style Article

Lower

Definition

Lower is a versatile term functioning as an adjective, verb, and adverb. As an adjective, it describes something situated below another or of less importance. As a verb, it means to move something to a lower position or reduce in degree or amount. As an adverb, it means in a lower or less elevated position.

Parts of Speech

Adjective
Verb
Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈloʊ.ɚ/
Respelling: LOH-er

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈləʊ.ə/
Respelling: LOH-uh

Etymology

The word "lower" derives from the Old English "hlēowra," meaning "more sheltered" or "downward." Its Proto-Germanic root "*hlēu-," meaning "to bend or incline," evolved to signify reduced height or position.

Derivatives

Lowering (verb/adjective)
Lowered (verb)
Lowermost (adjective)
Lowerer (noun)
Loweringly (adverb)

Synonyms

Reduce
Decrease
Drop

Antonyms

Raise
Increase
Elevate

Usage

The term "lower" is commonly used in physical, metaphorical, and hierarchical contexts. For example, "He lowered the blinds to block the sunlight" (verb), "The lower floor houses the library" (adjective), and "She placed the box lower on the shelf" (adverb).

Related Terms

Below: In a lower position relative to something else.
Reduction: The act of making something less in amount or degree.
Depression: A sunken or reduced area.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

Situated below another: Refers to something physically or hierarchically beneath another.
- Example: "The lower deck of the ship was flooded."
Of lesser importance or quality: Refers to something ranked below another in status or value.
- Example: "The team in the lower division won the championship."

Verb

To move something downward: Refers to the physical act of bringing something to a lower position.
- Example: "He lowered the flag at sunset."
To reduce in amount or degree: Refers to decreasing value, intensity, or quantity.
- Example: "The company decided to lower the prices during the sale."