Slowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slowing

[หˆsloสŠษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action of reducing speed

Slowing refers to the act of reducing the speed of something. This can apply to both physical objects, such as vehicles or processes, and metaphorical contexts, such as feelings or events.

Synonyms

braking, decelerating, reducing speed.

Examples of usage

  • The car is slowing down as it approaches the traffic light.
  • She is slowing her pace to enjoy the scenery.
  • The economy is slowing due to recent changes in policy.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing reduced speed

In a more descriptive sense, slowing can also refer to something that is characterized by a decrease in speed or activity. This might refer to a slow-moving process or gradual changes in various contexts.

Synonyms

dawdling, delaying, lagging.

Examples of usage

  • The slowing trend in sales concerns the management.
  • There is a slowing trend in the population growth.
  • The project is experiencing slowing progress due to lack of resources.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology suggests that slowing down can lead to better decision-making because it allows more time to think through options.
  • Studies have shown that mindfulness practices, which encourage slowing down, can significantly reduce stress and enhance focus.

Science

  • In physics, when an object slows down, it experiences a negative acceleration, also known as deceleration.
  • The concept of slowing is crucial in understanding motion in different mediums, like how vehicles slow on wet roads due to reduced friction.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like "Slow Hands" by Niall Horan highlight themes of taking things slowly in relationships.
  • Many wellness movements advocate for slowing down as a way to combat the fast pace of modern life, showing its cultural significance.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often use the slowing of time to build tension or enhance emotional impact in stories.
  • The literary technique known as 'slow motion' is used to describe moments in detail, enhancing the reader's experience.

Origin of 'slowing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Old English, with 'slลwian,' meaning 'to be slow.'
  • It is related to the word 'slow,' which has been used since around the 14th century in English.

The term 'slowing' originates from the Old English 'slawan,' meaning 'to slay, kill,' which evolved into its modern sense related to reducing speed. The word has been connected to the act of diminishing motion or activity since the early formation of the English language. The progressive or continuous form 'slowing' is derived from the verb 'slow,' which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word '*slลwaz,' implying a lessened or reduced state. Over time, 'slow' and its derivatives have taken on various nuanced meanings in different contexts, including not just physical speed but also metaphorical usages like slowing thoughts or slowing actions.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,123, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.