Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having relatively few stories; not tall: Used to describe buildings, typically residential or commercial structures, that are only one or a few stories in height and generally do not have elevators.
   • Characterized by a low vertical profile: Contrasts with "high-rise" and implies a modest, often horizontal, architectural form.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The neighborhood is filled with charming low-rise buildings from the 1920s.
  • They prefer living in a low-rise apartment complex because it feels more like a community.
  • The new zoning laws encourage low-rise development in the suburban areas.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun: While primarily an adjective, "low-rise" can function as a noun to refer to a building of this type.
  • The architect specializes in designing sustainable low-rises.

Variants and Related Words

• High-rise (adj/n): The direct antonym, describing a tall building with many stories and elevators.
  • The city's skyline is dominated by high-rises.
• Mid-rise (adj/n): Describing a building of moderate height, typically between five and twelve stories.

Synonyms

• Few-storied
• Walk-up (especially for apartments without an elevator)

Antonyms

• High-rise
• Skyscraper
• Tower

Adjective

1. used of buildings of one or only a few stories and usually no elevator; low
   • looking out over the roofs of low-rise apartment buildings