slowing
UK[ˈsləʊɪŋ]US[ˈsloʊɪŋ]
v
(present participle of slow) moving or happening at a low speed or rate; causing something to reduce its speed.
Morpheme Breakdown
slow
ing
slow
not fast
ing
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'slowing' is a transparent modern english formation. its core, 'slow', originates from the old english adjective 'slāw', which carried meanings of mental and physical sluggishness. this old english term is traced back to proto-germanic 'slæwaz', implying 'blunt' or 'dull', a sense that metaphorically extended to describe lack of speed or activity. the addition of the '-ing' suffix, a direct descendant from the old english present participle ending '-ende', transforms the adjective or verb 'slow' into its present participle or gerund form, explicitly denoting the ongoing action or state of becoming or making something less fast.
Analysis
Structure: slow (not fast) + ing (verb suffix)
slow (adjective/verb) is from old english 'slāw' meaning 'inactive, sluggish, torpid'. ing is a suffix from old english '-ende' or '-ing', used to form the present participle of verbs.
Examples
the driver is slowing the car as they approach the intersection.
there are clear signs of the economy slowing this quarter.
the slowing of his heartbeat was a concern to the doctors.