lower

Universal Words adjective, verb-see also LOWER adjective [onlybeforenoun] 1 situated below sth else, especially sth of the same type, or the other of a pair: the lower deck of a ship * His lower lip trembled. 2 at or near the bottom of sth: the mountain's lower slopes * I have problems with my lower back. 3 (of a place) situated towards the coast, on low ground or towards the south of an area: the lower reaches of the Nile OPPUPPER verb 1 to let or make sth/sb go down: [VN] He had to lower his head to get through the door. * She lowered her newspaper and looked around. * They lowered him down the cliff on a rope. OPPRAISE 2 to reduce sth or to become less in value, quality, etc: [VN] He lowered his voice to a whisper. * This drug is used to lower blood pressure. * [V] Her voice lowered as she spoke. IDIOMS lower yourself (by doing sth) (usually used in negative sentences) to behave in a way that makes other people respect you less: I wouldn't lower myself by working for him. moreatSIGHTn., TEMPERATURE (also lour) verb [V] (literary) (of the sky or clouds) to be dark and threatening: Huge clouds lowered over the bay. seealsoLOWER