slow

Everyday

1. Slow means not fast; it takes a long time to move or to do something. tree →
2. A slow clock or watch shows a time earlier than the real time. tree →
3. To slow down is to go less fast. tree →
4. Slow can mean not quick to learn or understand (this can be unkind to say about a person). tree →
5. A slow day or time is one when little happens. tree →

In the lessons

compares speeds or rates: the slow one covers less in the same time or needs more time; in everyday life and safety: slow down near schools, «SLOW» road signs; in science some changes are slow (rusting, growth of plants); in stories the slow tortoise wins the race; phrases: «slow down», «slow and steady», «in slow motion»

Examples

• The slow train goes 40 miles an hour. tree →
• The tortoise is slower than the hare. tree →
• The slow pump fills 2 litres a minute. tree →
• She is 5 minutes slower than Tom. tree →
• Cars must go slow near the school. tree →
• My watch is 3 minutes slow. tree →
• Slow down, the floor is wet! tree →
• The film showed the goal in slow motion. tree →
• Slow and steady wins the race. tree →

Note

«Slower by» means smaller speed or more time. Trap: «5 minutes slower» means more time, so you add 5 to the time. Trap: a clock «3 minutes slow» shows 3 minutes less than the real time, so add 3 to get the real time. Adverb: slowly («walk slowly»); «go slow» is also used in signs.

In Jewish tradition

"Slow of speech" means someone who speaks with difficulty, as Moses said of himself. "Slow to anger" means patient.

Interpretation. "Slow to anger" is one of the thirteen attributes of God's mercy, which Jews recite on fast days and holy days.

Examples

• And Moses said unto the LORD: 'Oh Lord, I am not a man of words, neither heretofore, nor since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.' (Torah EXO.4.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD is slow to anger, and plenteous in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation. (Torah NUM.14.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD is full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Writings PSA.103.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. (Writings PSA.145.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (Writings PRO.15.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Slower by» means smaller speed or more time. Trap: «5 minutes slower» means more time, so you add 5 to the time. Trap: a clock «3 minutes slow» shows 3 minutes less than the real time, so add 3 to get the real time. Adverb: slowly («walk slowly»); «go slow» is also used in signs.