Low vs. Moo: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Low" often refers to a position or level that is not high, while "Moo" is the sound made by a cow.
Key Differences
"Low" is a versatile word used to describe something of a small amount, lesser intensity, or reduced status. It can refer to physical height, volume, quality, or morale. In contrast, "Moo" is specifically an onomatopoeic term that imitates the sound made by cattle. It's a representation of an animal vocalization and has a very narrow, specific usage in language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
"Low" is an adjective or adverb, serving to modify nouns or verbs, and can be used metaphorically or literally. Examples include "low tide," "feeling low," or "low priority." "Moo," however, is primarily a verb or a noun, used in a literal sense to describe the action of a cow making a sound or the sound itself, as in "The cow moos."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
The word "Low" can have cultural or emotional connotations, such as being in a state of depression or low spirits, or refer to something of inferior quality. "Moo" does not carry such connotations; it is purely descriptive of a specific animal behavior and is often used in a more light-hearted or simplistic context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
"Low" has various derivatives like "lower," "lowest," or "lowly," extending its use across different contexts and grammatical structures. "Moo" has limited derivatives, often used playfully or in child language, like "mooing" or "mooed."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
"Low" can symbolize a range of emotions and concepts, from humility to inadequacy. It's a word with significant depth in meaning. "Moo," on the other hand, is straightforward, mostly used in literal terms or in humorous contexts to mimic a cow's sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Low and Moo Definitions
Moo
The sound made by a cow.
My toddler loves saying 'moo' when she sees a cow.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Moo
Used to imitate or describe a cow's sound.
He jokingly said 'moo' when he saw the dairy farm.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Moo
A word that phonetically imitates the sound of a cow.
The storybook for kids had 'moo' written to represent the cow's voice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Low
Near to the ground or the horizon
The low clouds threaten rain. The sun is low.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Moo
(intransitive) Of a cow or bull, to make its characteristic lowing sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Close or closer to a reference point
Was low in the offensive zone, near the goal.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(Linguistics) Produced with part or all of the tongue depressed, as a, pronounced (ä), in father. Used of vowels.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Ranked near the beginning of an ascending series or scale
A low number.
A low grade of oil.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Relatively small. Used of a cost, price, or other value
A low fee.
A low income.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Having a pitch corresponding to a relatively small number of sound-wave cycles per second.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Violating standards of morality or decency; base
A low stunt to pull. ].
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Situated close to, or even below, the ground or another normal reference plane; not high or lofty.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Pertaining to (or, especially of a language: spoken in) in an area which is at a lesser elevation, closer to sea level (especially near the sea), than other regions.
The low countries
Low German
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Of less than normal height or upward extent or growth, or of greater than normal depth or recession; below the average or normal level from which elevation is measured.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Not high in status, esteem, or rank, dignity, or quality. vulgar.}}
Now that was low even for you!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Disparaging; assigning little value or excellence.
She had a low opinion of cats. He took a low view of dogs.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Lacking health or vitality, strength or vivacity; feeble; weak.
A low pulse
Made (or: laid) low by sickness
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Small, not high (in amount or quantity, value, force, energy, etc).
My credit union charges a low interest rate.
Jogging during a whiteout, with such low temperatures and low visibility, is dangerous.
The store sold bread at low prices, and milk at even lower prices.
The contractors gave a low estimate of the costs.
Low cholesterol
A low voltage wire
A low number
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Having a small or comparatively smaller concentration of (a substance, which is often but not always linked by "in" when predicative).
Diets low in vitamin A
Made from low-carbon steel
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Simple in complexity or development.
Low protozoan animals, low cryptogamic plants, and other low organisms
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(in several set phrases) Being near the equator.
The low northern latitudes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(acoustics) Grave in pitch, due to being produced by relatively slow vibrations (wave oscillations); flat.
The note was too low for her to sing.
Generally, European men have lower voices than their Indian counterparts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Quiet; soft; not loud.
They spoke in low voices so I would not hear what they were saying.
Why would you want to play heavy metal at such a low volume?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(phonetics) Made with a relatively large opening between the tongue and the palate; made with (part of) the tongue positioned low in the mouth, relative to the palate.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(card games) Lesser in value than other cards, denominations, suits, etc.
A low card
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Not rich or seasoned; offering the minimum of nutritional requirements; plain, simple.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
A low point or position, literally (as, a depth) or or figuratively (as, a nadir, a time when things are at their worst, least, minimum, etc).
You have achieved a new low in behavior, Frank.
Economic growth has hit a new low.
Unemployment has reached a ten-year low.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
The minimum atmospheric temperature recorded at a particular location, especially during one 24-hour period.
Today's low was 32 °F.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
A period of depression; a depressed mood or situation.
He is in a low right now.
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
An area of low pressure; a depression.
A deep low is centred over the British Isles.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
The lowest-speed gearing of a power-transmission system, especially of an automotive vehicle.
Shift out of low before the car gets to eight miles per hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(card games) The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt or drawn.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
A cheap, cost-efficient, or advantageous price.
He got the brand new Yankees jersey for the low.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply.
He sold his wheat low.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
(astronomy) In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution.
The moon runs low, i.e. comparatively near the horizon when on or near the meridian.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
To make the calling sound of cows and other bovine animals; to moo.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
The calling sound ordinarily made by cows and other bovine animals.
Talking voices and the law of herds.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Occupying an inferior position or place; not high or elevated; depressed in comparison with something else; as, low ground; a low flight.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Near the horizon; as, the sun is low at four o'clock in winter, and six in summer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Beneath the usual or remunerative rate or amount, or the ordinary value; moderate; cheap; as, the low price of corn; low wages.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Made, as a vowel, with a low position of part of the tongue in relation to the palate; as, ă (ăm), ạ (ạll). See Guide to Pronunciation, 5, 10, 11.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Near, or not very distant from, the equator; as, in the low northern latitudes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Wanting strength or animation; depressed; dejected; as, low spirits; low in spirits.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Depressed in condition; humble in rank; as, men of low condition; the lower classes.
Why but to keep ye low and ignorant ?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Mean; vulgar; base; dishonorable; as, a person of low mind; a low trick or stratagem.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Not elevated or sublime; not exalted in thought or diction; as, a low comparison.
In comparison of these divine writers, the noblest wits of the heathen world are low and dull.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Deficient in vital energy; feeble; weak; as, a low pulse; made low by sickness.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Moderate; not intense; not inflammatory; as, low heat; a low temperature; a low fever.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply; as, he sold his wheat low.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
In time approaching our own.
In that part of the world which was first inhabited, even as low down as Abraham's time, they wandered with their flocks and herds.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently; as, to speak low.
The . . . odorous windBreathes low between the sunset and the moon.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
In subjection, poverty, or disgrace; as, to be brought low by oppression, by want, or by vice.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; - said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution; as, the moon runs low, that is, is comparatively near the horizon when on or near the meridian.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
An air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation;
A low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
British political cartoonist (born in New Zealand) who created the character Colonel Blimp (1891-1963)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Less than normal in degree or intensity or amount;
Low prices
The reservoire is low
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Literal meanings; being at or having a relatively small elevation or upward extension;
Low ceilings
Low clouds
Low hills
The sun is low
Low furniture
A low bow
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Of the most contemptible kind;
Abject cowardice
A low stunt to pull
A low-down sneak
His miserable treatment of his family
You miserable skunk!
A scummy rabble
A scurvy trick
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Subdued or brought low in condition or status;
Brought low
A broken man
His broken spirit
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Low in spirits;
Lonely and blue in a strange city
Depressed by the loss of his job
A dispirited and resigned expression on her face
Downcast after his defeat
Feeling discouraged and downhearted
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Low
Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed;
Use first gear on steep hills
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "low" always negative?
Not necessarily; it can describe a physical state (like "low table") without negative connotations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can "moo" be used in a serious context?
Rarely, as it's typically associated with the animal sound or used playfully.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is "moo" ever used metaphorically?
Very rarely; it's almost always literal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is "moo" used in different languages?
While the concept is universal, the actual word used to imitate the sound can vary by language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can "moo" be an adjective?
Not in standard usage; it's typically a verb or noun.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is "moo" specific to cows?
Yes, it specifically describes the sound made by cows.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Are there synonyms for "low"?
Yes, like "short," "soft," or "subdued," depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Does "low" have different meanings in different disciplines?
Yes, like "low pressure" in meteorology or "low notes" in music.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can "low" describe emotions?
Yes, it can describe feeling down or depressed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can "low" refer to quality?
Yes, it can indicate something of poor or inferior quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is "moo" ever used in literature?
Occasionally, in children's literature or for stylistic effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
How is "low" used in technology?
It can describe low battery, low signal, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Does "low" have a musical meaning?
Yes, it can refer to low-pitched sounds or notes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Do other animals have sounds described as "moo"?
No, "moo" is exclusive to cows.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is "moo" used in any idioms?
Not typically; it's straightforward in its usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is there a verb form of "moo"?
Yes, to moo – as in the action of making the cow sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can "moo" have different pronunciations?
Generally, no; it's pronounced consistently to mimic the cow's sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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