slow
UK[sləʊ]US[sloʊ]
adj
moving or operating, or designed to do so, at a low speed; not fast
adj
taking a long time to perform a specified action
adj
not prompt to understand, think, or learn; not quick
v
to reduce one's speed or the speed of (a vehicle or process)
Etymology
the word 'slow' originates from the old english adjective 'slāw', meaning 'sluggish, inert, or dull'. this old english term is itself descended from the proto-germanic root 'slæwaz', which carried a similar sense of being blunt or dull, both physically and mentally. the semantic evolution shows a clear link from the ancient concept of dullness or bluntness to the modern meanings related to low speed or lack of quickness. the verb form, meaning 'to make or become slow', developed naturally from the adjective in middle english, solidifying the word's core conceptual connection to the absence of speed or sharpness.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from old english. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
the traffic was moving at a slow pace.
he was a slow learner but very thorough.
she slowed the car as she approached the intersection.