slow definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

slow [ slō ]

adjective (comparative slow·er, superlative slow·est)

Definition:

1. not fast: not moving at a fast pace

2. lengthy: taking a long time to do or create something

Writing software is a slow process.

3. taking too much time: requiring more time than is usual or expected

4. not keeping accurate time: showing a time that is earlier than the correct time

I was late for my appointment because my watch was slow.

5. hesitant: doing something hesitantly or unwillingly

Why were you so slow to answer my question?

6. sluggish: lacking the usual volume of sales or customers

Business is usually slow during the summer months.

7. dull: lacking in interest or activity

The acting was good but the plot was terribly slow.

8. reducing speed of ball or runner: tending to reduce the speed or ability to travel of a ball, runner, or other competitor

a slow track

9. unintelligent: lacking in intelligence or mental sharpness ( informal insult )

10. cooking warm: operating at a low temperature that ensures thorough cooking throughout

A turkey should be cooked in a slow oven.

adverb (comparative slow·er, superlative slow·est)

Definition:

1. behind: behind the correct time or pace

My watch seems to be running slow.

2. at low speed: at a reduced speed or pace

The law requires motorists to drive slow through school zones.

transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle slowed, present participle slow·ing, 3rd person present singular slows)

Definition:

1. make or become slow: to make somebody or something slow or slower, or become slow or slower

Could you slow your speed a little on those sharp turns?

2. delay or be delayed: to reduce the speed or progress of something, or become reduced in speed or progress

slowed down the company's rate of expansion

[ Old English slaw "sluggish" < Indo-European]

slow·ly adverb

slow·ness noun

Word Usage


	slowly or slow? The standard adverb is slowly: The car went slowly up the hill.Slow, although usually an adjective, is used as an adverb of keeping time (My watch is running slow), and also more generally in highly informal contexts, on signs (Go Slow), and as an element of compound words like slow-moving.