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Decelerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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decelerate

 

[dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

driving

To decrease the speed of a vehicle or process gradually.

Synonyms

brake, reduce speed, slow down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decelerate

Use in technical or formal contexts, especially in reference to machinery, vehicles, or processes. It's more scientific.

  • The train began to decelerate as it approached the station.
  • Pilots must decelerate the aircraft before landing.
slow down

Use in informal or conversational contexts, can refer to both vehicles and general activities. May also refer to reducing the pace of life or work.

  • Can you slow down? I can’t keep up!
  • He had to slow down his work pace to ensure accuracy.
reduce speed

Use in relatively formal contexts, often seen in traffic signs and rules, or when giving instructions.

  • Drivers should reduce speed near school zones.
  • To save fuel, you should try to reduce speed gradually.
brake

Use when specifically referring to the action of applying a braking mechanism to stop or slow down a vehicle.

  • She hit the brake to avoid hitting the animal.
  • Remember to brake slowly to prevent skidding.

Examples of usage

  • She decelerated as she approached the intersection.
  • The pilot decelerated the plane for landing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'decelerare', which means 'to lessen speed'.
  • The prefix 'de-' typically indicates a reversal, while 'celer' refers to speed, helping to understand its meaning.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, often used in scientific contexts.

Science

  • In physics, deceleration is often associated with negative acceleration, where an object slows down over time.
  • Decelerating forces can include friction, drag, or resistance encountered by moving objects.
  • Understanding deceleration is crucial in vehicle safety, particularly in the study of braking distances.

Psychology

  • The concept of slowing down can also apply to mental processes, like taking a moment to think before reacting.
  • In mindfulness practices, decelerating one's thoughts can lead to better emotional regulation.
  • Research shows that people often need to decelerate during stress for clearer decision-making.

Pop Culture

  • In various movies, characters must decelerate their actions to prevent dangerous outcomes, highlighting the importance of slowing down.
  • The term is commonly used in sports commentary when discussing teams or players needing to control their pace.
  • Music can also play with tempo to create feelings of anticipation or calmness by decelerating beats.

Technology

  • In the realm of computer science, decelerate can refer to reducing the speed of data processing or user interface animations for better usability.
  • Certain technologies, like adaptive cruise control in cars, are designed to automatically decelerate based on traffic conditions.
  • Simulation programs often incorporate deceleration mechanics to create realistic movements in gaming environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "decelerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desacelerar

🇮🇳 धीमा करना

🇩🇪 verlangsamen

🇮🇩 memperlambat

🇺🇦 сповільнювати

🇵🇱 zwalniać

🇯🇵 減速する (げんそくする)

🇫🇷 ralentir

🇪🇸 desacelerar

🇹🇷 yavaşlatmak

🇰🇷 속도를 줄이다

🇸🇦 تباطأ

🇨🇿 zpomalit

🇸🇰 spomaliť

🇨🇳 减速 (jiǎnsù)

🇸🇮 upočasniti

🇮🇸 hægja á sér

🇰🇿 баяулау

🇬🇪 შენელება

🇦🇿 yavaşlatmaq

🇲🇽 desacelerar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,511 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.