Origin of slow
synonym study for slow
1, 2.
Slow,
deliberate,
gradual,
leisurely mean unhurried and not happening rapidly. That which is
slow acts or moves without haste or rapidity:
a slow procession of cars.
Deliberate implies the slowness that marks careful consideration before and while acting:
a deliberate and calculating manner.
Gradual suggests the slowness of something that advances one step at a time:
a gradual improvement in service. That which is
leisurely moves with the slowness allowed by ample time or the absence of pressure:
an unhurried and leisurely stroll.
6. See
dull.
usage note for slow
As an adverb,
slow has two forms,
slow and
slowly.
Slowly appeared first in the 15th century;
slow came into use shortly thereafter. Both are standard today in certain uses.
Originally, slow was used both preceding and following the verb it modified. Today, it is used chiefly in imperative constructions with short verbs of motion ( drive, run, turn, walk, etc.), and it follows the verb: Drive slow. Don't walk so slow. This use is more common in speech than in writing, although it occurs widely on traffic and road signs. Slow also combines with present participles in forming adjectives: slow-burning; slow-moving. In this use it is standard in all varieties of speech and writing.
Slowly is by far the more common form of the adverb in writing. In both speech and writing it is the usual form in preverb position ( He slowly drove down the street. The couple slowly strolled into the park ) and following verbs that are not imperatives ( He drove slowly down the street. The couple strolled slowly through the park ). See also quick, sure.
Originally, slow was used both preceding and following the verb it modified. Today, it is used chiefly in imperative constructions with short verbs of motion ( drive, run, turn, walk, etc.), and it follows the verb: Drive slow. Don't walk so slow. This use is more common in speech than in writing, although it occurs widely on traffic and road signs. Slow also combines with present participles in forming adjectives: slow-burning; slow-moving. In this use it is standard in all varieties of speech and writing.
Slowly is by far the more common form of the adverb in writing. In both speech and writing it is the usual form in preverb position ( He slowly drove down the street. The couple slowly strolled into the park ) and following verbs that are not imperatives ( He drove slowly down the street. The couple strolled slowly through the park ). See also quick, sure.
OTHER WORDS FROM slow
Words nearby slow
British Dictionary definitions for slow down
slow
/ (sləʊ) /
adjective
adverb
in a manner characterized by lack of speed; slowly
verb
(often foll by up or down)
to decrease or cause to decrease in speed, efficiency, etc
Derived forms of slow
slowly, adverb slowness, nounWord Origin for slow
Old English
slāw sluggish; related to Old High German
slēo dull, Old Norse
slǣr, Dutch
sleeuw slow
Idioms and Phrases with slow down (1 of 2)
slow down
Delay, retard, reduce speed, as in She slowed down the sled by dragging her foot, or Slow down, Bill; you're driving much too fast. [First half of 1800s] Also see slow up.
Become less active or vigorous, as in Now that I'm in my seventies I find I've slowed down quite a bit. [Second half of 1800s]
Idioms and Phrases with slow down (2 of 2)
slow