lowliness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowliness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being humble or low in status, often in a moral or spiritual context. Example: "In his writings, he often reflected on the virtues of lowliness and the strength found in humility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But his departure echoes Celestine's resignation, which was "because of my lowliness, my desire for a more perfect life, my great age and infirmities".

The Economist

Logau resented the forced lowliness of his position, and he directed much of his satirical wit at courtly life, particularly at the falsity of foreign (primarily French) cultural customs he saw adopted by the nobility, and at their misguided contempt for the German language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The older Verdi embroidered on various aspects of his early life, exaggerating the lowliness of his origins, for example).

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the other hand, Drury's relative critical lowliness creates its own alluring mystique.

Independent

God too loves human beings, and his love, in spite of the lowliness of its object, is proportionate to his infinity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If only I can acquire the taste for it as he did, then political philosophy can, if it will, condemn me for the lowliness and barrenness of my occupation".

The New Yorker

Already, Walt had acknowledged the lowliness of his own draftsmanship, and he was relying on the superior skills of others.

The New Yorker

Agassiz employed invasive daguerreotypes of naked slaves — the "pornography of forced labor," as they have been aptly described — to verify his theory of polygenesis, the separate human origins of Africans and Europeans, and emphasize the relative lowliness of the former.

The New York Times

Despite the roundworm's lowliness on the scale of intellectual achievement, the study of its nervous system offers one of the most promising approaches for understanding the human brain, since it uses much the same working parts but is around a million times less complex.

The New York Times - Science

To the stringent Protestants who founded Harvard, Yale and Princeton, the mark of salvation was not high self-esteem but humbling awareness of one's lowliness in the eyes of God.

The New York Times

"There's a certain lowliness about Headington," he tells me, with a chuckle.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lowliness", consider the specific context and choose the alternative with the most appropriate connotation to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid equating "lowliness" with a lack of strength or capability. While it describes a state of being humble or low in status, it does not necessarily imply a deficiency in skills or inner fortitude.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lowliness" is as a noun. It represents a state, quality, or condition of being low or humble. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various sources. Examples show it depicting both social status and a spiritual attitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lowliness" functions as a noun, denoting a state of humility or insignificance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and science-related content. While it can be used in various contexts, be mindful of its potential connotations, distinguishing it from weakness or inferiority. Use it to precisely convey a humble state or lack of social status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humility

Focuses on a modest view of one's own importance.

humbleness

Emphasizes a lack of arrogance or pride.

meekness

Suggests a gentle and submissive disposition.

modesty

Highlights a restrained and unassuming behavior.

insignificance

Stresses the lack of importance or consequence.

submissiveness

Implies a willingness to yield to the authority of others.

inferiority

Highlights a sense of being lower in status or quality.

unimportance

Focuses on the lack of significance or relevance.

subordination

Indicates a position of being lower in rank or power.

self-abasement

Emphasizes the act of humbling oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "lowliness" in a sentence?

"Lowliness" is often used to describe a humble state or a position of low status. For instance, "He accepted his "lowliness" with grace and dignity." It can also refer to a lack of importance or grandeur.

What words are similar to "lowliness"?

Synonyms for "lowliness" include "humility", "humbleness", "meekness", and "modesty". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is "lowliness" a positive or negative attribute?

The connotation of "lowliness" depends on the context. In a religious or spiritual context, it's often seen as a virtue, representing humility and a lack of pride. However, in a social or economic context, it can imply a lack of power or status, which may be viewed negatively.

What's the difference between "lowliness" and "inferiority"?

"Lowliness" generally refers to a humble state or low social position, while "inferiority" implies a sense of being lesser in quality or ability. "Lowliness" can be chosen or accepted, while inferiority is often imposed or perceived.