brought low

USAGE SUMMARY

"brought low" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that has been humbled or reduced in status or power. Example: "After the scandal, the once-prominent leader was brought low." Alternative expressions include "brought down" and "reduced to a lower state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Indians brought low.

The New Yorker

Our nation has again been brought low.

The New York Times

It's them that's been brought low, not you.

The Guardian - Books

Sion is wasted and brought low, Jerusalem desolate and void".

The New Yorker

Self-satisfied women are often brought low; but Cynthia isn't.

The New Yorker

He has been brought low by cowards and incompetents.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A new version of iOS in September brought low-energy Bluetooth, and Pebble updated the software.

The Guardian - Tech

It touches on local issues, too, with Mr. Schumer saying he brought low-cost air travel to New York.

The New York Times

Who deserves to be brought low Mahler, Mailer, Lenny Bruce?

The New Yorker

The global financial crisis has brought low the economies of just about every country on earth.

The New York Times

Tonight at 9, with the Brought Low and Ride the Mole opening; admission is $10 (Pareles).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and connotations: "brought low" often carries a sense of tragedy or injustice, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "brought low" in situations where a simple reduction or decrease is meant. The phrase implies a significant and often unfortunate fall from a higher position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought low" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of someone or something being reduced in status, power, or dignity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly depicts a fall from a higher position, often due to unfortunate circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brought low" is a versatile phrase primarily used to depict a significant decline in status, power, or reputation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it carries a nuance of tragedy or injustice, fitting well in both formal and neutral contexts like news reporting and academic writing. While alternatives such as "humbled" or "reduced in status" exist, "brought low" effectively communicates a dramatic or unfortunate downfall, with the numerous examples provided offering a useful guide for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought down

A more direct and forceful way of expressing that someone or something has been caused to fall.

humbled

Focuses specifically on the action of being humbled, often implying a reduction in pride or arrogance.

reduced in status

Emphasizes the loss of position or rank, suitable for formal contexts.

fallen from grace

Implies a loss of favor or reputation, often used in contexts of public figures or moral failings.

disgraced

Highlights the shame and dishonor associated with a downfall.

lowered in stature

Similar to "reduced in status", but emphasizes personal reputation or standing.

diminished

Indicates a reduction in size, importance, or power.

cut down to size

Suggests that someone's arrogance or pretension has been checked.

overthrown

Suggests a forceful removal from a position of power, often in a political context.

defenestrated

A more dramatic alternative, referring to being thrown out of a window; implies a sudden and forceful removal from power.

FAQs

What does "brought low" mean?

"Brought low" means to be reduced in status, power, or condition, often due to unfortunate circumstances or one's own actions. It implies a significant decline from a previous, more elevated position.

How can I use "brought low" in a sentence?

You can use "brought low" to describe someone or something that has experienced a fall from grace. For example, "The once-powerful CEO was "brought low" by the scandal."

What are some alternatives to "brought low"?

Alternatives to "brought low" include "humbled", "reduced in status", "fallen from grace", or "disgraced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "brought low" formal or informal?

"Brought low" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in formal writing or speech due to its slightly literary or dramatic tone.