slow (slō)

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[Middle English, from Old English slāw.]

adjective: slow·er, slow·est. 

1. 1. Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed: a slow train; slow walkers.
   2. Marked by a retarded tempo: a slow waltz.
2. 1. Taking or requiring a long time: the slow job of making bread.
   2. 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. 

transitive verb 

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

intransitive verb 

To become slow or slower.

derivatives

sloẃly

adverb

sloẃness

noun

usage note

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.

synonyms:

slow, dilatory, leisurely, laggard, deliberate These adjectives mean taking more time than is usual or necessary. Slow is the least specific: a slow bus; a slow heartbeat; slow to anger. Dilatory implies lack of promptness caused by delay, procrastination, or indifference: paid a late fee because I was dilatory in paying the bill. Leisurely suggests a relaxed lack of haste: went for a leisurely walk by the river. Laggard implies hanging back or falling behind: “the horses' laggard pace” (Rudyard Kipling) Deliberate suggests a lack of hurry traceable especially to caution or careful consideration, as of consequences: worked in a systematic and deliberate manner.