WordGarden.iolowercase
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈəʊəkˌeɪs/
US
- /ˈloʊ.ərˌkeɪs/not-comparableadjective
Meanings
Adjective
written or printed in small letters rather than capitals
Noun
small-letter form as opposed to capitals
Verb
to convert text to lowercase letters
Beyond the definition
Lowercase refers to letters written in their non-capital form. Think of it as the everyday way we usually write. While UPPERCASE letters stand out more, lowercase letters are used in most sentences, books, messages, and emails. It is a basic part of reading and writing. Knowing the difference between uppercase and lowercase matters in normal writing and also in computer programs, where letter case can change meaning.
Lowercase describes letters that are not capitalized, such as a, b, and c instead of A, B, and C. In ordinary writing, lowercase is the standard form for most words. Uppercase letters, also called capital letters, are usually saved for the beginning of sentences, proper nouns, initials, and certain kinds of emphasis.
The term comes from the historical practice of keeping sets of metal type in wooden drawers called "cases" in printing shops. The smaller letters were kept in the "lower case," while the larger capital letters were kept in the "upper case" above them.
Lowercase is not just about how things look, though. It also matters in computing, where changing one letter from lowercase to uppercase can change the meaning of code, a password, a file name, or a command. In some programming languages and systems, case sensitivity is very important.
You might say, "Please type your username in lowercase," if a system requires it. Or, "The title was written in uppercase for emphasis, while the rest of the text was in lowercase." Understanding the difference between uppercase and lowercase is a basic part of reading, writing, and using digital tools. It is not only about appearance, but also about clear rules and meaning.
Examples
- 1
Password format
Please write your password in lowercase letters.
- 2
Email address
Her email address is all lowercase.
- 3
Form fields
The form accepts both uppercase and lowercase names.
- 4
Style guide
In this style guide, job titles are lowercase unless they come before a name.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Visual style
The designer lowercased the logo to make it look friendlier.
See also
Similar
- uncapitalized
- small-letter
- minuscule
Shades of meaning
- all-small
Contrast
- uppercase
- capitalized
Used with (collocations)
- lowercase letter
- lowercase alphabet
- all lowercase
- lowercase username
Word family
- lowercased
- lowercasing
Explore
- letter case
- case sensitivity
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lowercasenounadjective