SLOW Meaning and
Definition
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Slow is an adjective that refers to the characteristic or quality of lacking speed, quickness, or swiftness. It can describe a state or action that is not fast-paced, characterized by a lack of rapidity or a delay in progress. In relation to time, it denotes a reduced speed or a longer duration than normal. Conversely, it is the opposite of fast or rapid.
When used to describe movement or physical actions, slow indicates a reduced pace or sluggishness. It implies a lower velocity compared to what is considered ordinary or expected. Additionally, slow can describe intellectual or mental processes that are lacking in speed or efficiency. It suggests an individual's deliberate or unhurried approach to information processing or decision-making.
In terms of events or progress, slow signifies a delay, limited progress, or gradual development. It suggests a process or change that takes more time than anticipated or desired. Slow is often associated with a lack of urgency, leisurely behavior, or caution. However, it can also indicate a lack of enthusiasm or energy, suggesting a lack of vibrancy or intensity.
Metaphorically, slow can describe a person's comprehension or understanding, suggesting a lack of quick-wittedness or mental acuity. Furthermore, it can be used to describe the passage of time, with slow indicating a perception of time moving at a reduced pace.
Overall, slow captures various aspects of reduced speed, lack of rapidity, and delayed progress in different contexts and settings.
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• Not quick in motion; less speedy than usual, or than what might be expected; not ready or prompt, as in speech; dilatory; inactive; dull; behind in time, as a clock.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SLOW *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SLOW
Etymology of SLOW
The word "slow" originated from the Old English word "slaw" which meant "inactive" or "dull". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "slæwaz" which meant "slothful" or "lazy". This word is also related to the Old High German word "slēo" and the Old Norse word "slær", both of which have similar meanings. Over time, the meaning of "slow" extended to include the concept of slowness in movement or action.
Idioms with the word SLOW
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slow up
The idiom "slow up" means to decrease in speed, or to slow down the pace or progress of something.
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slow on the draw
The idiom "slow on the draw" refers to someone who is slow to react or respond to a situation. It is often used to describe someone who is mentally or physically slow in taking action, making decisions, or responding to something promptly. It can also refer to someone who is sluggish in understanding or grasping something quickly. This idiom is derived from the Western cowboy culture, in particular, the quick-draw duels when being slow on the draw could result in losing the fight.
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slow off the mark
The idiom "slow off the mark" means someone or something that is slow to react, respond, or take action. It refers to a person or situation that is sluggish, lacking in promptness, or slow to get started.
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slow down
The idiom "slow down" means to reduce speed or pace, both literally and figuratively. It suggests taking things more calmly, allowing oneself to relax, or taking more time to think, reflect, or act. It often implies the need for caution, moderation, or a balanced approach in different aspects of life.
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go slow
The idiom "go slow" refers to deliberately slowing down or reducing the speed or pace of something, usually in order to be cautious, deliberate, or conservative in order to avoid mistakes, accidents, or negative outcomes. It can also indicate a form of protest or work slowdown where employees intentionally reduce their productivity as a form of resistance or negotiation strategy.
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life in the slow lane
The idiom "life in the slow lane" refers to a lifestyle or situation that is characterized by a slower pace, fewer demands, and less excitement or ambition compared to others. It describes a more relaxed, laid-back, or uneventful way of living, often contrasting with a fast-paced or competitive society.
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slow and steady wins the race
The idiom "slow and steady wins the race" means that consistent and persistent effort, even if it is slow or gradual, is more likely to lead to success than rushed or impatient actions. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not being discouraged by temporary setbacks. The idiom is often associated with Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," where the slow-moving tortoise ultimately wins the race against the fast but careless hare.
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be slow off the mark
The idiom "be slow off the mark" means to be slow in reacting or responding to a situation or to be slow to start something. It refers to someone or something that lacks promptness or agility in taking action or making decisions.
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a slow burn
The idiom "a slow burn" refers to a state of restrained anger or irritation that accumulates gradually over time. It describes someone who appears calm on the surface, but internally is becoming increasingly upset, frustrated, or annoyed. This idiom often implies that the person experiencing the slow burn will eventually reach a breaking point or display their anger, after a considerable period of endurance.
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take it slow
The idiom "take it slow" means to proceed or progress at a relaxed or leisurely pace, particularly in regards to a romantic or intimate relationship. It suggests being patient, not rushing forward, and allowing things to develop naturally over time. Additionally, it can be used in other contexts to advise caution, carefulness, or a measured approach.
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be slow on the uptake
The idiom "be slow on the uptake" means to be slow or hesitant in understanding or comprehending something, often requiring more time or explanation than others. It suggests that someone takes longer to grasp or process information compared to their peers.
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go slow (on something)
The idiom "go slow (on something)" means to proceed or progress at a deliberately slower pace or to take caution and not rush or hurry with a particular task, decision, or action. It suggests being careful, thoughtful, and methodical in order to avoid mistakes or mishaps.
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slow burn
The idiom "slow burn" refers to a type of anger or frustration that gradually accumulates over time, rather than being immediately apparent or expressed. It describes a situation where a person's annoyance or irritation builds up slowly until it eventually reaches its peak and is likely to be expressed or taken action upon.
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slow but sure
The idiom "slow but sure" means to proceed or progress at a slow pace, but with steady and reliable progress, ensuring that the outcome will be successful or accomplished.
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be (a little) slow on the uptake
The idiom "be (a little) slow on the uptake" means to be slow in understanding or comprehending something. It describes someone who takes longer than usual to grasp or recognize ideas, concepts, or hints. It implies a delay in processing information or a tendency to require additional time or explanation to comprehend things fully.
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be quick/slow on the uptake
The idiom "be quick/slow on the uptake" refers to someone's ability to understand or comprehend things quickly or slowly, respectively. It describes how easily someone grasps or comprehends new information, ideas, or situations.
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be quick/slow off the mark
The idiom "be quick/slow off the mark" means to either respond or react promptly and efficiently to a situation (quick off the mark) or to respond or react slowly and sluggishly (slow off the mark). It refers to the ability or inability to act swiftly when necessary.
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slow on the uptake
The idiom "slow on the uptake" refers to someone who is slow or delayed in understanding or comprehending something. It describes a person who takes more time than others to grasp new ideas or concepts.
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(as) slow as molasses
The idiom "(as) slow as molasses" means to move or act extremely slowly or sluggishly. It implies a lack of speed or efficiency comparable to the viscosity of molasses, a thick, slow-flowing syrup.
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in the slow lane
The idiom "in the slow lane" refers to being or operating at a slower pace or speed than others, often implying a lack of progress or a less efficient approach. It is typically used figuratively to describe someone or something that is not keeping up with the expected or desired level of activity, productivity, or advancement.
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slow boat to China
The idiom "slow boat to China" is an expression used to describe an incredibly slow and inefficient method of transportation or progression towards a particular goal or destination. It suggests that the journey or process is exceptionally long and may even seem pointless or impractical. It often conveys the idea of a seemingly endless and exasperating delay.
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do a slow burn
The idiom "do a slow burn" refers to feeling anger or frustration but choosing to keep it hidden or concealed, often by remaining calm outwardly while seething internally. It implies a gradual build-up of anger or irritation rather than an immediate outburst.
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(as) slow as molasses in January
The idiom "(as) slow as molasses in January" refers to an extremely slow pace or movement. It is often used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally sluggish or takes a noticeably long time to complete a task or reach a destination.
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slow sm or sth up
The idiom "slow someone or something up" means to cause a delay or make someone or something take longer than expected to complete a task or reach a destination. It refers to the act of slowing down the progress or pace of an activity or process.
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slow going
The idiom "slow going" refers to a situation or progress that is moving at a sluggish pace or facing significant difficulty. It typically implies that the task or process is proceeding slowly or not as quickly as anticipated or desired.
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slow study
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be quick (or slow) on the uptake
The idiom "be quick (or slow) on the uptake" means to be able to understand or grasp something quickly (or slowly). It refers to someone's ability to comprehend things easily or with difficulty.
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quick/slow off the mark
"Quick/slow off the mark" is an idiom that means someone is either quick or slow to react or respond to a situation or opportunity. It refers to how quickly someone takes action or makes a decision.
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*slow as molasses in January
Extremely slow or sluggish.
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quick (or slow) on the uptake
Quick on the uptake means to understand or grasp things easily and quickly. Slow on the uptake means to understand or grasp things slowly or with difficulty.
Similar spelling words for SLOW
- slew,
- Slee,
- sloe,
- slue,
- slaw,
- sly,
- slye,
- sliwa,
- SL,
- sle,
- slay.
Conjugate verb Slow
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have slowed
you
would have slowed
he/she/it
would have slowed
we
would have slowed
they
would have slowed
I
would have slow
you
would have slow
he/she/it
would have slow
we
would have slow
they
would have slow
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been slowing
you
would have been slowing
he/she/it
would have been slowing
we
would have been slowing
they
would have been slowing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would slow
you
would slow
he/she/it
would slow
we
would slow
they
would slow
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be slowing
you
would be slowing
he/she/it
would be slowing
we
would be slowing
they
would be slowing
FUTURE
I
will slow
you
will slow
he/she/it
will slow
we
will slow
they
will slow
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be slowing
you
will be slowing
he/she/it
will be slowing
we
will be slowing
they
will be slowing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have slowed
you
will have slowed
he/she/it
will have slowed
we
will have slowed
they
will have slowed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been slowing
you
will have been slowing
he/she/it
will have been slowing
we
will have been slowing
they
will have been slowing
IMPERATIVE
you
slow
we
let´s slow
to slow
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was slowing
you
were slowing
he/she/it
was slowing
we
were slowing
they
were slowing
PAST PARTICIPLE
slowed
PAST PERFECT
I
had slowed
you
had slowed
he/she/it
had slowed
we
had slowed
they
had slowed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been slowing
you
had been slowing
he/she/it
had been slowing
we
had been slowing
they
had been slowing
PRESENT
I
slow
you
slow
he/she/it
slows
we
slow
they
slow
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am slowing
you
are slowing
he/she/it
is slowing
we
are slowing
they
are slowing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
slowing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have slowed
you
have slowed
he/she/it
has slowed
we
have slowed
they
have slowed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been slowing
you
have been slowing
he/she/it
has been slowing
we
have been slowing
they
have been slowing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
slow
SIMPLE PAST
I
slowed
you
slowed
he/she/it
slowed
we
slowed
they
slowed