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adj. 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. adv. slower, slowest 1. So as to fall behind the correct time or rate: The watch runs slow. 2. At a low speed: Go slow! v. slowed, slow·ing, slows v.tr. 1. To make slow or slower. 2. To delay; retard. v.intr. To become slow or slower. [Middle English, from Old English slāw, obtuse, sluggish, dim-witted; akin to Dutch slee, blunt, dull, and Old Norse sljór, blunt, dim-witted.] slowly adv. slowness n. Synonyms: slow, dilatory, leisurely, laggard 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). |
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