Language Research

slow · adjective

/sləʊ/Full view

slow (NOT FAST)

A1 doing, moving or happening without much speed

Dictionary examples:

a slow runner/driver/reader

She's a very slow eater.

We're making slow but steady progress with the decorating.

Learner example:

I know about the concert [and] I like slow music. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

slow (NOT EXCITING)

B2 not exciting

Dictionary example:

I find his films very slow.

Learner example:

The begin[n]ing of the movie is slow, but the last hour is incredible. (Skills for Life (Level 1); B2; Spanish)

be slow to do sth; be slow in doing sth

C2 to take a long time to do something

Dictionary examples:

The government has been slow to react to the problem.

The ambulance was very slow in coming.

Learner example:

But in the Third World, where birth rates are explosive, the governments, and even more the people, are slow to grasp the problem and act on it. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

slow · verb I or T

/sləʊ/

slow

C2 to become slower or to make something become slower

Dictionary examples:

Traffic slows to a crawl during rush hour.

The pilot was asked to slow his approach to the runway.

Learner example:

Having said that, I do agree that it is unavoidable to have increasing prices on petrol, in an attempt to slow the rate of depletion of this resource that is not unlimited. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Tamil)

slow (sb/sth) down/up or slow down/up (sb/sth)

B2 to become slower, or to make someone or something become slower

Dictionary examples:

Slow down, you two, you're walking too fast!

If I run with Christina she tends to slow me down.

We slowed up when we saw the police.

Learner example:

Suddenly a car slowed down not far from him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

slow down

B2 If someone slows down, they become less active.

Dictionary example:

The doctor told me I should slow down and not work so hard.

Learner example:

First of all, you must slow down at work or better yet, take a holiday for a week or two. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)