slow
/sləʊ/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Moving or happening at a low speed. It can also describe something that takes a long time to happen or finish.
- The train is slow today.
- She gave me a slow reply.
- Traffic was slow after the rain.
verb
To reduce speed, or to make something happen more slowly.
- Slow down near the school.
- The fog slowed our journey.
- Please slow the process a little.
adverb
At a low speed. This use is less common in careful English than slowly.
- Drive slow on this road.
- He spoke slow and clear.
- The boat moved slow across the lake.
Adinary Nuance
Slow is the general word for low speed, but it sounds less precise than 'sluggish' or 'lethargic'. Use 'slow' for everyday speed, delay, or progress. Use 'sluggish' for weak energy or poor movement, and 'lethargic' for tired, heavy, or unwell feeling.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chậm
- Spanish
- lento
- Chinese
- 缓慢
- Japanese
- 遅い
- Korean
- 느린
Etymology
Old English slāw meant 'inactive' or 'lacking speed'. It is related to similar Germanic words in other languages.
Common phrases
slow downslow progressslow responseslow motion
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'slow' formal or informal?
- 'Slow' is neutral. You can use it in speech, writing, and business English.
- What is the difference between 'slow' and 'sluggish'?
- 'Slow' means low speed. 'Sluggish' often suggests weakness, tiredness, or poor energy.
- Can I say 'drive slow'?
- People say it in speech, but 'drive slowly' is more standard in careful English.
- Is 'slow' used for people too?
- Yes. It can describe a person who learns, thinks, or reacts with low speed.