The word "slower" is comprised of five letters - s, l, o, w and e, and is pronounced as /ˈsləʊər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first two letters 'sl' are pronounced as a consonant cluster, where the 's' sound blends into the 'l' sound, creating a unique sound. The 'o' and 'e' in the middle of the word are pronounced as a long 'o' sound, followed by a neutral 'e' sound. Finally, the word ends with the 'r' sound which is pronounced as a consonant using the back part of the tongue.
Slower is an adjective used to describe something or someone that moves or operates at a pace that is comparatively or noticeably less quick or fast. It is the comparative form of the word "slow," which refers to the absence of speed or a reduced rate of movement.
When used to describe a person's actions or behaviors, slower suggests a deliberate or unhurried approach, causing a delay in completion or progress. It can also indicate a decreased mental or physical agility or responsiveness, resulting in a longer time taken to process information or react to stimuli.
In terms of physical movement, slower can be used to describe an object or organism that covers a comparatively lesser distance or takes more time to complete a given task when compared to a specific benchmark or standard. This can be observed in the speed of vehicles, the pace of a runner, the growth rate of plants, or the progress of a project.
Additionally, slower can be employed to express a temporary decrease in speed due to external factors or limitations. For example, an individual may drive slower than the speed limit in hazardous weather conditions or reduce their work pace when feeling fatigued or overwhelmed.
Overall, slower pertains to the notion of reduced speed or diminished efficiency in various contexts, highlighting a decrease in the rate of motion or progress relative to a reference point.
The word "slower" is formed by adding the comparative suffix "-er" to the adjective "slow". The adjective "slow" comes from Middle English "slow" or "slaw", which can be traced back to Old English "slāw". In turn, Old English "slāw" is derived from Proto-Germanic "slǣwaz". This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sleH₁-", meaning "to be weak, weary, or languid". So, "slower" essentially means "more slow" or "less fast".