lowbrow
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈloʊˌbraʊ/
KK: /loʊˌbraʊ/
adjective
Definition
Relating to someone who has simple tastes and lacks interest in more sophisticated or intellectual things.
Example
The movie was criticized for its lowbrow humor, appealing only to a specific audience.
Conversation
I just watched that new comedy show last night.
Oh really? Was it any good?
It was a bit too lowbrow for my taste, honestly.
Yeah, some shows just go for cheap laughs instead of real humor.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vulgar
crude
unsophisticated
Antonyms
cultured
refined
sophisticated
noun
Definition
A person who has simple or unsophisticated tastes, often in art or culture.
Example
He prefers lowbrow entertainment like reality TV shows and comic books.
Conversation
Have you seen that new movie everyone's talking about?
Yeah, but I heard it might be a bit too lowbrow for my taste.
I get that, but sometimes you just want to enjoy something silly and fun.
Root Explanation
Lowbrow is formed from "low" (from Old English "lōw", meaning not high or below) and "brow" (from Old English "brūw", meaning the forehead or brow). The term "lowbrow" refers to someone or something that is considered to be of lower intellectual or cultural status.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'not high' ('low') and relates to the 'forehead' or 'brow' — this helps you remember that 'lowbrow' refers to a lack of sophistication or cultural depth.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.