slow

The definition of slow is someone or something that is not quick or takes a long time.

(adjective)

  1. An example of slow is a snail.
  2. An example of slow is driving ten miles per hour.

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See slow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. not quick or clever in understanding; dull; obtuse
    1. taking a longer time than is expected or usual to act, move, go, happen, etc.
    2. not hasty, quick, ready, or prompt: a slow retort, slow to anger
  2. making relatively little progress for the time spent; marked by low speed, rate of rhythm, etc.; not fast or rapid
  3. holding back fast progress, development, etc.; making speed or progress difficult: a slow growing season, a slow track
  4. showing a time that is behind the correct time: said of a timepiece
    1. passing slowly or tediously: a slow afternoon
    2. not lively or interesting; dull or boring: a slow town
  5. characterized by little activity; slack: slow trading
  6. lacking in energy; sluggish
  7. behind the times; out of fashion
  8. burning so as to give off a low or moderate heat: a slow fire
  9. gradual, as growth
  10. Photog.
    1. having less sensitivity to light than other film, etc.: such film may require a longer exposure period
    2. allowing less light to enter than other lenses

Origin: ME slowe < OE slaw, akin to Du sleeuw, ON slær, dull < ?

transitive verb

  1. to make slow or slower
  2. to retard; delay

intransitive verb

to go or become slow or slower: often with up or down

adverb

in a slow manner or at a slow speed; slowly

Related Forms:

See slow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective slow·er, slow·est
  1. a. Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed: a slow train; slow walkers.
    b. Marked by a retarded tempo: a slow waltz.
  2. a. Taking or requiring a long time: the slow job of making bread.
    b. Taking more time than is usual: a slow worker; slow progress in the peace negotiations.
  3. Allowing movement or action only at a low speed: a slow track; a slow infield.
  4. Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one: a slow clock.
  5. Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate: They were slow to accept our invitation.
  6. Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions: Business was slow today.
  7. Lacking liveliness or interest; boring: a slow party.
  8. Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness: a slow learner.
  9. Only moderately warm; low: a slow oven.
adverb slower, slowest
  1. So as to fall behind the correct time or rate: The watch runs slow.
  2. At a low speed: Go slow!
verb slowed, slow·ing, slows
verb, transitive
  1. To make slow or slower.
  2. To delay; retard.
verb, intransitive
To become slow or slower.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English slāw

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Related Forms:

  • slowˈly adverb
  • slowˈness noun
Usage Note: Slow may sometimes be used instead of slowly when it comes after the verb: We drove the car slow. In formal writing slowly is generally preferred. Slow is often used in speech and informal writing, especially when brevity and forcefulness are sought: Drive slow! Slow is also the established idiomatic form with certain senses of common verbs: The watch runs slow. Take it slow.

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