Slowing
'sləʊɪŋ
Definitions
To reduce the speed or rate of something.
'sləʊɪŋ
To decrease in speed or rate.
The car is slowing as it approaches the red light.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running, but you're getting tired. You're *slowing* down, like your speed is getting less. You're not as fast anymore.
👶 For kids: When something is slowing, it's getting slower, like when you are biking up a hill and you pedal less and less.
More Examples
The doctor advised her to take a break, as her recovery was slowing.
The process of digestion is slowing after a big meal.
How It's Used
"The traffic is slowing down due to an accident."
"The economic growth is slowing, which is a concern for investors."
"The metabolism of the animal is slowing down as it gets older."
From the Old English word *slāwian*, meaning 'to make slow,' derived from *slāw*, meaning 'slow.' It reflects the concept of diminishing speed or rate.
The word 'slowing' as a present participle of 'slow' has been used since the 16th century, indicating a gradual decrease in speed or progress. It was used to describe changes in physical movement and in the pace of events.
Memory tip
Imagine putting on the brakes – you're SLOWING down.