slows - Master This Word
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slows Word Meanings
- moving at a low speed
- not quick
- to cause something to move less quickly
slows Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
slows Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sləʊ/
US
/sloʊ/
slows Word Etymology
Old English 'slaw', meaning 'not quick' (similar to 'sluggish'). Imagine a turtle slowly crossing the road, representing the essence of being slow.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the tray and push it gently, watching the wheels move one inch at a time. I move the plate with careful breath, keeping the pace slow as I set it on the counter. Each small shift in speed feels like control, a decision about how much I let the moment take over. The action reveals itself through feeling, not words, as I learn to go slow on purpose.
Real Context
Slow is a fundamental English descriptor used for pace, timing, and motion. As an adjective it describes something that moves at a low speed or takes a long time, and as a verb it can mean to reduce speed or to cause something to move more slowly. It covers people, objects, processes, or even attitudes, with nuance depending on context: a slow pace can be careful and deliberate, or frustrating and inefficient. The Old English root slaw meant not quick, linking to slow’s lingering sense of sluggishness. Learners should note the distinction between slow (adjective) and slowly (adverb), and avoid forcing slow into contexts better served by faster or more precise terms.
Usage Reminders
- Slow describes pace or duration, not intelligence.
- Use slowly for actions, not slow for speaking.
- To reduce speed, say to slow or slow down.
- Connotations vary: slow can be neutral, deliberate, or frustrating.
- In idioms, take it slow means proceed carefully and steadily.
Common Misconceptions
- Slow always means lazy or stupid.
- Slow is the exact opposite of fast in every context.
- A process is slow only if it takes a long time; speed equals time.
- Using slow to describe a person never sounds offensive.
- Slow cannot describe weather, traffic, or machines.
Thinking Differences
In English, slow is a straightforward tempo descriptor; learners must distinguish slow (adjective) from slowly (adverb) and avoid overemphasizing pace when describing people. English often uses adverbs for actions, but adjectives for states, which can be tricky with passive constructions or phrasal verbs.
Learning Tips
- Practice with pairings (slow/slowly) in sentences
- Listen for context where speed isn’t the only factor
- Learn common collocations (slow progress, slow Internet)
- Compare with 'fast' to hear the opposite sense
- Watch for connotations: neutral, frustrating, deliberate
- Use verbs like slow down to describe action vs state
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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