Definition

1. Adjective (Superlative form of 'low'):

   • Having the smallest value, degree, or position in a ranking or scale: Refers to being at the bottom of a hierarchy, order, or measurement.
   • Of the least importance, rank, or status: Describes something that is considered the least significant or prestigious.

2. Adverb (Superlative form of 'low'):

   • In or to the smallest degree or amount: Indicates the minimum extent or level.
   • In the most inferior position or at the bottom: Refers to physical placement that is closest to the ground or base.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • He received the lowest score in the class.
  • This is the lowest price we can offer.
  • She started in the lowest position in the company and worked her way up.

• Adverb:

  • The fruit hung lowest on the tree, easy for the children to reach.
  • The temperature sank lowest just before dawn.
  • Of all the shelves, this one is placed lowest.

Advanced Usage

• "at (the) lowest": Used to indicate the minimum possible point, especially in financial or quantitative contexts.
  • We can buy the shares at their lowest in five years.
• "lowest common denominator": A mathematical term (least common multiple of denominators) often used figuratively to describe something designed to appeal to the broadest, least sophisticated audience.
  • The television show was criticized for appealing to the lowest common denominator.

Variants and Related Words

• Low (adjective/adverb): The base form. (e.g., , )
• Lower (adjective/adverb): The comparative form. (e.g., , )
• Lowliness (noun): The state of being low in status or rank.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Bottom, minimum, slightest, last, least, smallest.
• Adverb: Least, most inferiorly.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Highest, top, maximum, greatest.
• Adverb: Highest, most superiorly.

Related Phrases

• Hit rock bottom / Reach its lowest point: To decline to the worst possible state.
  • After the scandal, the company's reputation hit rock bottom.
• The lowest of the low: An idiom describing someone or something considered the most despicable or of the very worst kind.
  • Stealing from charity is the lowest of the low.

Adjective

1. lowest in rank or importance
   • last prize
   • in last place

Adverb

1. in the lowest position; nearest the ground
   • the branch with the big peaches on it hung lowest