low
Meaning
not high or tall; being near the ground, floor, or base
below the usual or normal level, amount, or value
(of a sound) deep and not loud
lacking in status, quality, or importance
(of a supply) nearly depleted or exhausted
Usage
the plane flew at a very low altitude over the city.
her energy levels were low after the long illness.
he spoke in a low voice so as not to wake the baby.
Etymology
the modern english adjective and adverb 'low' derives from the old norse word 'lágr', meaning 'low'. this term was adopted into old english during the viking age, where it coexisted with and eventually supplanted the native old english word 'lyt', which meant 'little' or 'small'. the old norse 'lágr' itself can be traced back to the proto-germanic 'lēgaz', signifying something that is lying down or flat. this connection to a horizontal, prostrate position provides the logical foundation for its modern meanings related to lack of height, reduced level, or diminished status. the verb meaning, to moo like a cow, is unrelated and is an example of onomatopoeia, imitating the sound itself.
Analysis
the word 'low' is a simplex word of old norse origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.