lowly

Etymology

From low + -ly; compare Middle English lowly.

adj

1. Not high; not elevated in place; low.
   And I watched you waltz from tree to tree As I slunk in my lowly lair 1918, C. J. Dennis, The Chase of Ages
   And those whom Tiber's holy forests hide, Or Circe's hills from the main land divide; Where Ufens glides along the lowly lands, Or the black water of Pomptina stands. 1697, John Dryden, translating Virgil, Aeneid)
2. Low in rank or social importance.
   One common right the great and lowly claims. 1725, Alexander Pope, translating Homer, Odyssey/Book_VIII)
3. Not lofty or sublime; humble.
   Where our apt used to be they built a fancy condominium high-rise. Which at a lowly income none of us could ever really quite afford. 2010, David Dondero, Just a Baby in Your Momma's Eyes
   For all who read, and reading, not disdain / These rural poems, and their lowly strain 1697, John Dryden, Pastoral VI
4. Having a low esteem of one's own worth; humble; meek; free from pride.
   Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. 1769, Bible (King James Version), Matthew xi. 29

adv

1. In a low manner; humbly; meekly; modestly.
2. In a low condition; meanly.
3. At low pitch or volume.
   He muttered lowly.