slow

¹slow

adj \ˈslō\

Definition of SLOW

1

a : mentally dull : stupid <a slow student> b : naturally inert or sluggish

2

a : lacking in readiness, promptness, or willingness b : not hasty or precipitate <was slow to anger>

3

a : moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed <traffic was slow> b : exhibiting or marked by low speed <he moved with slow deliberation> c : not acute <a slow disease> d : low, gentle <slow fire>

4

: requiring a long time : gradual <a slow recovery>

5

: having qualities that hinder rapid progress or action <a slow track>

6

a : registering behind or below what is correct <the clock is slow> b : less than the time indicated by another method of reckoning c : that is behind the time at a specified time or place

7

a : lacking in life, animation, or gaiety : boring <the first chapter is a bit slow> b : marked by reduced activity <business was slow> <a slow news week>

— slow·ish \ˈslō-ish\ adjective

— slow·ness noun

Examples of SLOW

1. The buyers were slow to act, and the house was sold to someone else.
2. He was a quiet boy who seldom spoke, and some people thought he was a little slow.
3. Business is slow during the summer.
4. The first few chapters are slow, but after that it gets better.

Origin of SLOW

Middle English, from Old English slāw; akin to Old High German slēo dull

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SLOW

Synonyms: crawling, creeping, dallying, dawdling, dilatory, dillydallying, dragging, laggard, lagging, languid, leisurely, poking, poky (or pokey), sluggish, snaillike, snail-paced, tardy, unhurried

Antonyms: barreling, bolting, breakneck, breathless, brisk, careering, dizzy, fast, fleet, flying, hasty, hurrying, lightning, meteoric, quick, racing, rapid, rocketing, running, rushing, scooting, scudding, scurrying, snappy, speeding, speedy, swift, warp-speed, whirling, whirlwind, whisking, zipping

Related Words: deliberate, measured; inactive, inert, lethargic, loafing, lounging; lingering, loitering, tarrying; ambling, heavy-footed, inching, plodding, shuffling, slow-footed; strolling; decelerating, slowing; filibustering, procrastinating, stalling

Near Antonyms: expeditious, prompt, ready; accelerated, hastened, quickened; hurried, rushed

see all synonyms and antonyms

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