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PERFECT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Book of VERBS

Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.

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lowbrow

IPA:

How to pronounce lowbrow (audio)

Dictionary definition of lowbrow

A person or cultural artifact that is considered unsophisticated or lacking in intellectual depth.
"The film was a lowbrow comedy, filled with slapstick humor and juvenile jokes."

Detailed meaning of lowbrow

It typically describes forms of entertainment, art, or literature that are regarded as crude, simplistic, or appealing to popular tastes. The term 'lowbrow' is often used to denote works that prioritize immediate gratification and entertainment value over complex or thought-provoking content. It is associated with a style or genre that is accessible and easily digestible, but not necessarily intellectually stimulating. However, it's important to note that the term 'lowbrow' is subjective and can be used in a derogatory manner, reflecting personal or societal judgments on cultural preferences.

Example sentences containing lowbrow

1. The lowbrow comedy show drew a rowdy crowd with its slapstick humor.
2. Critics dismissed the film as a lowbrow attempt at shock value.
3. His taste in music was decidedly lowbrow, favoring pop hits over classical compositions.
4. The art gallery featured a mix of highbrow and lowbrow artworks.
5. She found solace in lowbrow novels after a long day at work.
6. Their conversation was disappointingly lowbrow, lacking in depth.

History and etymology of lowbrow

The term 'lowbrow' is a relatively modern coinage, emerging in the early 20th century as a colloquial expression to describe individuals or cultural artifacts perceived as unsophisticated or lacking in intellectual depth. Its etymology can be broken down into two parts: 'low' and 'brow.' 'Low' has Old English origins, rooted in the word 'hlēaw,' which meant 'not high' or 'not elevated.' 'Brow,' on the other hand, has its roots in Middle English, where it referred to the forehead or the expressive features of a person's face. When combined, 'lowbrow' metaphorically alludes to a lack of intellectual elevation or depth, suggesting that someone or something is not associated with high culture or refined tastes. This term has been used to categorize a range of cultural phenomena considered less sophisticated or highbrow in contrast to more intellectually challenging or refined pursuits.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun lowbrow:

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Further usage examples of lowbrow

1. The reality TV show catered to a lowbrow audience with its drama-filled episodes.
2. Despite her highbrow aspirations, she enjoyed the occasional lowbrow comedy.
3. He was often criticized for his lowbrow sense of humor.
4. The restaurant offered a menu that satisfied both highbrow and lowbrow palates.
5. The magazine covered a wide range of topics, from highbrow literature to lowbrow entertainment.
6. His lowbrow interests didn't deter him from pursuing intellectual challenges.
7. She preferred highbrow literature over lowbrow romance novels.
8. The art exhibit showcased a mix of highbrow and lowbrow pieces, appealing to a diverse audience.
9. The television show was criticized for its lowbrow content and lack of intellectual depth.
10. The party featured a lowbrow karaoke session, with cheesy pop songs and silly dance moves.
11. He enjoyed indulging in lowbrow entertainment after a long day at work to relax.
12. The magazine targeted a lowbrow demographic, focusing on celebrity gossip and sensational stories.
13. Some critics argue that reality TV shows are a prime example of lowbrow programming.
14. The stand-up comedian's jokes were often lowbrow, relying on crude humor and toilet jokes.
15. The book club members preferred discussing highbrow literature rather than lowbrow bestsellers.
16. The museum's collection included both highbrow art pieces and lowbrow graffiti works.
17. The radio station played a mix of lowbrow pop music and highbrow classical compositions.
18. The party had a lowbrow theme, encouraging guests to dress up as their favorite cartoon characters.
19. He was known for his lowbrow taste in music, always listening to catchy but shallow pop songs.
20. The theater production was criticized for its lowbrow dialogue and predictable plot twists.

SAT 5 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 10, Demeanor and Bearing

cheesy,crude,juvenile,populist,trivial,vulgar

basic,kitschy,shallow,simplistic,tacky,unsophisticated

unrefined, highbrow, intellectual, sophisticated

eb68db_e88ddcf9fb824c089b4b558652d89a33.mp3

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