How to pronounce low
Say it like LOH. Low is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- LOH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Low pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of low
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LOH.
What does low mean?
- less than normal in degree or intensity or amount“low prices”“the reservoir is low”
- literal meanings; being at or having a relatively small elevation or upward extension“low ceilings”“low clouds”
- very low in volume“a low murmur”“the low-toned murmur of the surf”
- in a low position; near the ground“the branches hung low”
- an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation“a low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow”
- British political cartoonist (born in New Zealand) who created the character Colonel Blimp (1891-1963)
- a low level or position or degree“the stock market fell to a new low”
Where does low come from?
Cognate with Scots laich (“low”), Saterland Frisian läich (“low”), West Frisian leech (“low”), Dutch laag (“low”), German Low German leeg, leeg' (“low; inferior”), West Flemish leeg (“lazy”), Danish lav (“low”), Faroese and Icelandic lágur
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with low
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of low.
Words that sound like low
Questions about saying low
How do you pronounce low?
Say LOH. The American pronunciation is /loʊ/. In British English it is /ləʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in low?
Low is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: LOH.
Is low pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ləʊ/ (LOH).
What words sound the same as low?
Low sounds the same as lo, Lowe, loew, loh in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.