low vowel

A low vowel is a speech sound produced with the tongue relatively flat and low in the mouth, resulting in a wider mouth opening compared to high vowels. These vowels are classified based on tongue position and lip shape. For example, the 'a' in "father" or "had" are considered low vowels.1

In linguistics, vowels are sounds where airflow from the lungs passes through the mouth with minimal obstruction. They are categorized by tongue and lip positions, and sometimes by whether air is released through the nose. High vowels, like the 'i' in "machine," are made with the tongue arched towards the roof of the mouth. Midvowels, such as the 'e' in "bed," fall between the high and low positions. Vowels can also be front (tongue pushed forward) or back (back of the tongue raised).1