Phrasal verb
slow down
Definitions
01to reduce speed
A2 · Elementary
phr.v. to move more slowly or to make a vehicle go slower.
phr.v. to reduce the velocity of a vehicle or the speed of one's movement. The verb functions both transitively and intransitively.
“You should slow down when you drive through a school zone.”
“The driver was forced to slow down as the heavy fog significantly reduced visibility on the winding mountain road.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to become less busy
B1 · Intermediate
phr.v. to become less active or to start living a quieter, more relaxed life.
phr.v. to reduce the pace or intensity of one's lifestyle or work activities, often to avoid stress or exhaustion.
“After working sixty hours a week for years, he decided it was time to slow down.”
“Medical professionals often advise patients to slow down and prioritise rest following a period of prolonged psychological stress.”
Antonyms
03to delay progress
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to make something happen more slowly than usual.
phr.v. to inhibit the progress or rate of a process or development.
“The lack of funding will slow down the construction of the new bridge.”
“Supply chain disruptions and labour shortages continue to slow down the global recovery of the manufacturing sector.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “slow down” in context.
Verb
01. need to slow down
“You have been working too hard lately and you really need to slow down.”
verb + infinitive
02. slow down and relax
“On the weekends, I like to slow down and relax with a good book.”
verb + and + verb
03. try to slow down
“The driver tried to slow down when he saw the red light ahead.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. gradually slow down
“The train will gradually slow down as it approaches the station.”
adv + verb
05. significantly slow down the process
“Missing paperwork can significantly slow down the process of getting a visa.”
adv + verb + noun
06. suddenly slow down
“The car in front of me suddenly slowed down for no apparent reason.”
adv + verb
Teaching tip
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
slow + down (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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