A1adjective1K

Slow

UK /["/sləʊ/"]/US /["/sləʊ/"]/

Definition

not moving, acting or done quickly; taking a long time; not fast

In simple words: Not fast; takes time to do something.

Examples

  • The turtle is moving very slow across the road.
  • He is a slow reader, but he understands the material well.
  • Please drive slow in the school zone.
  • Her response was slow, which made me worry.
  • The computer is running slow today.

Usage notes

Used to describe speed. Appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in very technical discussions about speed measurements.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a turtle — they move slowly.

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • at
  • slow and steady

Synonyms

  • sluggish

Antonyms

  • fast
  • quick
  • rapid

Common mistakes

  • Using 'slow' as a verb instead of an adjective.
  • Confusing 'slow' with 'slowly'.
  • Saying 'more slow' instead of 'slower'.