Slow
/sloʊ/
Definitions
3 meaningsMoving or happening at a low speed; taking a long time.
/sloʊ/
Moving or operating at a low speed.
The car was traveling at a slow speed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking, and you're not in a hurry. That's slow! Like, "I'm going to eat my ice cream slow so it doesn't melt."
👶 For kids: Not fast; taking a long time to do something.
More Examples
He took a slow and steady approach to the project.
The internet connection is slow today.
How It's Used
"The train was running slow due to track maintenance."
"She took a slow walk in the park."
To decrease in speed or rate of movement.
/sloʊ/
To reduce the speed of something.
The driver slowed the car for the turn.
💡 Simply: To make something go slower, like when you hit the brakes on your bike. For example, "I had to slow down my game to make sure I won."
👶 For kids: To make something go slower.
More Examples
The medication slowed down his heart rate.
The company slowed down production due to lack of demand.
How It's Used
"The driver slowed down to avoid an accident."
"The economic downturn slowed down business growth."
At a slow pace or speed.
/sloʊ/
At a slow speed or pace.
She walked slow down the beach.
💡 Simply: Doing something in a slow way. Like, "I like to eat my food slow so I can enjoy every bite."
👶 For kids: Not fast, like a snail.
More Examples
He read the instructions slow and carefully.
The band played the music slow and somber.
How It's Used
"He was walking slow, enjoying the scenery."
"Play the song slow, to feel the emotions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Slow and steady wins the race.
Persistence and steady effort are more effective than short bursts of energy.
"Despite the setbacks, we kept working, remembering that slow and steady wins the race."
Take it slow.
To relax and not rush, to proceed with caution.
"We need to take it slow with this new technology."
From Old English *slāw*, akin to Old High German *slëo* ('slow'). It may relate to Proto-Indo-European *slā- ('to be slack or lazy').
The word 'slow' has been used since Old English and has consistently referred to a lack of speed or quickness.
Memory tip
Think of a turtle – they are known for their slow pace.
Word Origin
"sluggish, not fast; mentally dull"