Definition of slow
1a : mentally dull : stupid a slow studentb : naturally inert or sluggish
2a : lacking in readiness, promptness, or willingnessb : not hasty or precipitate was slow to anger
3a : moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed traffic was slowb : exhibiting or marked by low speed he moved with slow deliberationc : not acute a slow diseased : 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
6a : registering behind or below what is correct the clock is slowb : less than the time indicated by another method of reckoningc : that is behind the time at a specified time or place
7a : lacking in life, animation, or gaiety : boring the first chapter is a bit slowb : marked by reduced activity business was slow a slow news week
slowness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of slow in a Sentence
The buyers were slow to act, and the house was sold to someone else.
He was a quiet boy who seldom spoke, and some people thought he was a little slow.
Business is slow during the summer.
The first few chapters are slow, but after that it gets better.
Origin and Etymology of slow
Middle English, from Old English slāw; akin to Old High German slēo dull
First Known Use: before 12th century
slow vs. slowly
Some commentators claim that careful writers avoid the adverb slow, in spite of the fact that it has had over four centuries of usage. have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower — William Shakespeare In actual practice, slow and slowly are not used in quite the same way. Slow is almost always used with verbs that denote movement or action, and it regularly follows the verb it modifies. beans … are best cooked long and slow — Louise Prothro Slowly is used before the verb a sense of outrage, which slowly changed to shame — Paul Horgan and with participial adjectives. a slowly dawning awareness … of the problem — Amer. Labor Slowly is used after verbs where slow might also be used burn slow or slowly and after verbs where slow would be unidiomatic. the leadership turned slowly toward bombing as a means of striking back — David Halberstam
Examples of slow in a Sentence
My computer is working slow.
you need to go slow with this experiment, or you'll make mistakes
15th Century
First Known Use of slow
15th century
slow
Definition of slow
transitive verb
: to make slow or slower : slacken the speed of slow a car —often used with down or up
intransitive verb
: to go or become slower production of new cars slowed sharply
Examples of slow in a Sentence
The car slowed and gradually came to a stop.
The extra weight slowed the truck.
1557
First Known Use of slow
1557
Synonym Discussion of slow
SLOW Defined for English Language Learners
slow
playDefinition of slow for English Language Learners
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: not moving quickly : not able to move quickly
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: not happening quickly : taking more time than is expected or wanted
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: not operating quickly
slow
Definition of slow for English Language Learners
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: in a slow way or at a low speed
slow
Definition of slow for English Language Learners
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: to begin to move at a lower speed
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: to make (something, such as a car) move at a lower speed
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: to become slower
SLOW Defined for Kids
Definition of slow for Students
slower
;slowest
1 : moving, flowing, or going at less than the usual speed slow music Traffic was slow.
2 : taking more time than is expected or desired We had a slow start on the project.
3 : not as smart or as quick to understand as most people
4 : not active Business was slow.
5 : indicating less than is correct My watch is five minutes slow.
6 : not easily aroused or excited Grandmother is slow to anger.
slowly
adverbslowness
nounDefinition of slow for Students
slowed
;slowing
: to go or make go less than the usual speed The car slowed around the corner. The heavy load slowed the wagon.
Headscratcher for slow
You can slow up and you can slow down. Either way, you're doing the same thing: you're going slower.
Definition of slow for Students
slower
;slowest
: in a slow way Can you talk slower?
Learn More about slow
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slow Spanish Central: Translation of slow Nglish: Translation of slow for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of slow for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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