slow down
A2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To go more slowly, or to do things at a slower and more relaxed pace
Literal meaning: To reduce one's speed in a downward direction
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To move or travel at a reduced speed
"Slow down — there's a speed camera around this corner."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
To cause something to move or progress at a lower rate
"The roadworks on the bypass have slowed traffic down considerably."
Grammar: separable
3 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To reduce the pace of one's life or activity, often for health or wellbeing reasons
"The doctor told him to slow down or risk burning out completely."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
One of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Used for physical movement, work pace, and as advice to people living stressfully. Both transitive and intransitive. The transitive form ('slow the car down') is common.
Commonly used with
car pace production growth traffic economy
Forms
Base
slow down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slows down
he/she/it
Past simple
slowed down
yesterday
Past participle
slowed down
have + pp
-ing form
slowing down
continuous
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Synonyms
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