Low vs. Moo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 24, 2023
"Low" typically refers to a position, situation, or condition that is not high or elevated, while "Moo" is the characteristic sound made by a cow. They are unrelated terms.
Difference Between Low and Moo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "Low" has diverse implications and can describe something situated not far above the ground or below the usual level. It can refer to sound levels, amounts, and positions, depicting a state that is lesser in extent, amount, or degree. For example, a person might speak in a low voice, implying a quiet or soft tone, or one could be in low spirits, experiencing a state of unhappiness or depression.
"Moo," on the other hand, is purely onomatopoeic, representing the vocalization of a cow. It doesn’t represent a state or condition but instead signifies a specific sound made by an animal. The word is universally recognized to mimic the characteristic sound made by cows, symbolizing this unique animal vocalization across different cultures and languages.
While "Low" has versatile applications, used to describe various states, levels, or conditions in everyday language, "Moo" has a singular, specific reference, denoting the vocal sound made by cows. "Low" can be utilized in numerous contexts to express lesser degrees, amounts, or levels, whereas "Moo" is constrained to representing a distinctive, recognizable sound attributed to a specific animal.
"Low" can describe not only physical positions but also qualities or conditions, such as low quality or low morale, conveying the notion of inadequacy or insufficiency in various respects. It is a versatile word with applications in multiple contexts to describe situations, conditions, or states that are below the standard or desired level. "Moo," contrastingly, is confined to its role as an onomatopoeic word, reflecting a particular animal sound with no implications or references beyond this specific vocalization.
In conclusion, "Low" and "Moo" are vastly different, with "Low" being a versatile descriptor for various situations, conditions, or positions that are below a certain level, and "Moo" is a specific representation of a cow’s vocalization. They have no semantic overlap and are used in entirely different contexts, with "Low" having extensive applicative range and "Moo" remaining synonymous with the characteristic sound of cows.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Refers to a condition or position that is not high.
Represents the sound made by a cow.
Application
Diverse, in various contexts depicting lesser degree, level or amount.
Singular, to denote a cow's vocalization.
Nature of the Word
Adjective, Adverb, Noun
Onomatopoeic word, Noun, Verb
Examples of Usage
Low voice, low spirits
The cow said "moo".
Context
Various, from physical position to emotional state.
Specific, related to the sound of a cow.
Compare with Definitions
Low
Situated not far above the ground.
The plane flew at a low altitude.
Moo
The characteristic vocal sound made by a cow.
We heard the distant moo of a cow.
Low
Lacking in strength, spirit, or energy.
She was feeling very low after the news.
Moo
To express with a moo sound.
The cow mooed its discontent.
Low
Of less than average quality.
The product is of low quality.
Moo
To utter or imitate the sound of a mooing cow.
He playfully mooed at the passing cows.
Low
Having little relative height; not high or tall
A low wall.
Moo
To make the vocal sound characteristic of a cow.
The cows were mooing in the field.
Low
Rising only slightly above surrounding surfaces
A low hill.
Moo
Onomatopoeic word representing the sound made by cows.
Moo, said the cow, gazing at us.
Low
Near to the ground or the horizon
The low clouds threaten rain. The sun is low.
Moo
An object-oriented MUD.
Low
Situated or placed below normal height
A low lighting fixture.
Moo
The lowing of a cow or a similar sound.
Low
Situated below the surrounding surfaces
Water standing in low spots.
Moo
To emit the deep, bellowing sound made by a cow; low.
Low
Of less than usual or average depth; shallow
The river is low.
Moo
(onomatopoeia) The characteristic lowing sound made by cattle.
Low
Cut to show the wearer's neck and chest; décolleté
A low neckline.
Moo
A foolish woman.
You silly moo! What did you do that for?
Low
Close or closer to a reference point
Was low in the offensive zone, near the goal.
Moo
(intransitive) Of a cow or bull, to make its characteristic lowing sound.
Low
(Linguistics) Produced with part or all of the tongue depressed, as a, pronounced (ä), in father. Used of vowels.
Moo
The characteristic sound made by a cow or bull.
Low
Below average in degree, intensity, or amount
A low temperature.
Moo
See Mo.
Low
Below an average or a standard
Low wages.
A low level of communication.
Moo
To make the noise of a cow; to low; - a child's word.
Low
Ranked near the beginning of an ascending series or scale
A low number.
A low grade of oil.
Moo
The lowing of a cow.
Low
Relating to or being latitudes nearest to the equator.
Moo
The sound made by a cow or bull
Low
Relatively small. Used of a cost, price, or other value
A low fee.
A low income.
Moo
Make a low noise, characteristic of bovines
Low
Not loud; soft
A low murmur.
Low
Having a pitch corresponding to a relatively small number of sound-wave cycles per second.
Low
Below others in status or rank; lowly
Of low birth.
Low
Violating standards of morality or decency; base
A low stunt to pull. ].
Low
The characteristic sound uttered by cattle; a moo.
Low
To utter the sound made by cattle; moo.
Low
Situated close to, or even below, the ground or another normal reference plane; not high or lofty.
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
Low
Below the batter's knees.
The pitch (or: the ball) was low
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.
Low
Low-cut.
Low
Not high in status, esteem, or rank, dignity, or quality. vulgar.}}
Now that was low even for you!
Low
Humble, meek, not haughty.
Low
Disparaging; assigning little value or excellence.
She had a low opinion of cats. He took a low view of dogs.
Low
Being a nadir, a bottom.
The low point in her career
Low
Depressed in mood, dejected, sad.
Low spirits
Low
Lacking health or vitality, strength or vivacity; feeble; weak.
A low pulse
Made (or: laid) low by sickness
Low
Dead. lay low.}}
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
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
Low
Depleted, or nearing deletion; lacking in supply.
Running low on cash
Low
Simple in complexity or development.
Low protozoan animals, low cryptogamic plants, and other low organisms
Low
Favoring simplicity (see e.g. low church, Low Tory).
Low
(in several set phrases) Being near the equator.
The low northern latitudes
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.
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?
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.
Low
(card games) Lesser in value than other cards, denominations, suits, etc.
A low card
Low
Not rich or seasoned; offering the minimum of nutritional requirements; plain, simple.
Low
Designed for a slow (or the slowest) speed.
Low gear
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.
Low
The minimum atmospheric temperature recorded at a particular location, especially during one 24-hour period.
Today's low was 32 °F.
Low
A period of depression; a depressed mood or situation.
He is in a low right now.
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder
Low
An area of low pressure; a depression.
A deep low is centred over the British Isles.
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.
Low
(card games) The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt or drawn.
Low
A cheap, cost-efficient, or advantageous price.
He got the brand new Yankees jersey for the low.
Low
A flame; fire; blaze.
Low
Barrow, mound, tumulus.
Low
A hill.
Low
Close to the ground.
Low
Of a pitch, at a lower frequency.
Low
With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently.
To speak low
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply.
He sold his wheat low.
Low
In a low mean condition; humbly; meanly.
Low
In a time approaching our own.
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.
Low
To lower; to make low.
Low
Inflection of laugh.
Low
(intransitive) To moo.
The cattle were lowing.
Low
To burn; to blaze.
Low
To make the calling sound of cows and other bovine animals; to moo.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea.
Low
To burn; to blaze.
Low
To depress; to lower.
Low
The calling sound ordinarily made by cows and other bovine animals.
Talking voices and the law of herds.
Low
A hill; a mound; a grave.
Low
Fire; a flame; a light.
Low
The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt or drawn.
Low
Occupying an inferior position or place; not high or elevated; depressed in comparison with something else; as, low ground; a low flight.
Low
Not rising to the usual height; as, a man of low stature; a low fence.
Low
Near the horizon; as, the sun is low at four o'clock in winter, and six in summer.
Low
Sunk to the farthest ebb of the tide; as, low tide.
Low
Beneath the usual or remunerative rate or amount, or the ordinary value; moderate; cheap; as, the low price of corn; low wages.
Low
Not loud; as, a low voice; a low sound.
Low
Depressed in the scale of sounds; grave; as, a low pitch; a low note.
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.
Low
Near, or not very distant from, the equator; as, in the low northern latitudes.
Low
Numerically small; as, a low number.
Low
Wanting strength or animation; depressed; dejected; as, low spirits; low in spirits.
Low
Depressed in condition; humble in rank; as, men of low condition; the lower classes.
Why but to keep ye low and ignorant ?
Low
Mean; vulgar; base; dishonorable; as, a person of low mind; a low trick or stratagem.
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.
Low
Submissive; humble.
Low
Deficient in vital energy; feeble; weak; as, a low pulse; made low by sickness.
Low
Moderate; not intense; not inflammatory; as, low heat; a low temperature; a low fever.
Low
Smaller than is reasonable or probable; as, a low estimate.
Low
Not rich, high seasoned, or nourishing; plain; simple; as, a low diet.
Low
In a low position or manner; not aloft; not on high; near the ground.
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply; as, he sold his wheat low.
Low
In a low or mean condition; humbly; meanly.
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.
Low
With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently; as, to speak low.
The . . . odorous windBreathes low between the sunset and the moon.
Low
With a low musical pitch or tone.
Can sing both high and low.
Low
In subjection, poverty, or disgrace; as, to be brought low by oppression, by want, or by vice.
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.
Low
An air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation;
A low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow
Low
British political cartoonist (born in New Zealand) who created the character Colonel Blimp (1891-1963)
Low
A low level or position or degree;
The stock market fell to a new low
Low
The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving
Low
Make a low noise, characteristic of bovines
Low
Less than normal in degree or intensity or amount;
Low prices
The reservoire is low
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
Low
Very low in volume;
A low murmur
The low-toned murmur of the surf
Low
Unrefined in character;
Low comedy
Low
Used of sounds and voices; low in pitch or frequency
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
Low
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Low
No longer sufficient;
Supplies are low
Our funds are depleted
Low
Subdued or brought low in condition or status;
Brought low
A broken man
His broken spirit
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
Low
Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed;
Use first gear on steep hills
Low
In a low position; near the ground;
The branches hung low
Low
Below average in amount, extent, or intensity.
He sold his car at a low price.
Low
Emitting a sound of low frequency.
He spoke in a low, soft voice.
Common Curiosities
Can "Low" describe a sound?
Yes, "Low" can describe a sound that has a low frequency or is soft in volume.
Is "Moo" only related to the sound a cow makes?
Yes, "Moo" specifically represents the characteristic vocal sound made by a cow.
Can "Low" also refer to amounts and levels?
Yes, "Low" can describe amounts, levels, or degrees that are below average or usual.
Can "Moo" be used as a verb?
Yes, "Moo" can also be used as a verb to describe a cow making its characteristic vocal sound.
Does "Low" have multiple applications and meanings?
Yes, "Low" is versatile and can be used to describe various states, levels, or conditions in different contexts.
Is "Moo" an onomatopoeic word?
Yes, "Moo" is an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the sound made by a cow.
Can "Low" be used as a noun, adjective, and adverb?
Yes, "Low" can function as a noun, adjective, and adverb, depending on the context.
Are "Low" and "Moo" related in meaning?
No, "Low" generally refers to a position, situation, or condition that is not high or elevated, while "Moo" is the sound made by a cow.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
