slow down
- 01 A2 Elementary
to move more slowly or to make a vehicle go slower.
to reduce the velocity of a vehicle or the speed of one's movement. The verb functions both transitively and intransitively.
Simple“You should slow down when you drive through a school zone.”
In context“The driver was forced to slow down as the heavy fog significantly reduced visibility on the winding mountain road.”
SynonymsdeceleratebrakeAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
to become less active or to start living a quieter, more relaxed life.
to reduce the pace or intensity of one's lifestyle or work activities, often to avoid stress or exhaustion.
Simple“After working sixty hours a week for years, he decided it was time to slow down.”
In context“Medical professionals often advise patients to slow down and prioritise rest following a period of prolonged psychological stress.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make something happen more slowly than usual.
to inhibit the progress or rate of a process or development.
Simple“The lack of funding will slow down the construction of the new bridge.”
In context“Supply chain disruptions and labour shortages continue to slow down the global recovery of the manufacturing sector.”
contrast with 'speed up'; note that 'slow down' is more common than 'slow' as a verb in spoken English when describing a change in pace.
- Particles
- down
- Separability
- optional
- Pattern
- slow + down (+ object)