Exceptional Expressions Posted 01/16/2010 Permanent Link
#18 Slow
EVERYDAY EVENTS:
This week’s Exceptional Expression for Everyday Events (E4) explores the word slow. Sometimes there is an advantage to moving slowly or taking time to finish a task. In a classroom, teachers may want students to write their essays slowly, to make sure students are thinking about the topic and developing their ideas. Students may want to read a text slowly to make sure they grasp the ideas.
The word slow is an excellent word to explore on a word line. There are subtle differences in how slowly a task can be completed.
EXCEPTIONAL EXPRESSION:
The word slow also has multiple meanings and usage. To slow down (verb) is to decelerate. To be slow poke (adv) is to move slowly. A clock that is slow (adj), is displaying time that is earlier than the current time.
The most common usage of the word slow is to refer to the speed in which a task is completed. Generally doing something at a slow pace, like walking, is to do it at a low speed. But there are variations for how slow a person can walk.
A person can also complete a task slowly by completing the steps with intent and deliberation. A scientist can slowly perform his/her experiments to ensure that all the steps have been followed or data recorded.
FOLLOW-UPS:
- There are many games where moving to the end quickly is a good thing. What are some games where you want to be the last person to reach the end of a game?
- Why or when might you want to slowly read a set of instructions?
- Why might someone want to slow down their life?
THE SPANISH CONNECTION:
The word slow comes from an Old English for sláw, which comes from an Old High German word for “blunt, or dull.” Over time, the meaning of slow has also developed to mean “to move at a low speed.” The Spanish word for slow (moving at a low speed) is lento.
WORD CHANGES:
1) IDIOMS:
- at a snail’s pace
- slowly but surely
- slow going
- slow on the draw/uptake
- slow off the mark
- take it slow
- a slow burn
- take it easy
2) COMMON PHRASES:
- slow poke
- slow mo/motion
- slow cooker
- slow dancing
- slow as molasses
- slow down
- slow pitch
- slow going
- slow lane
- bogged down
Click here to download the printable version of E4: Slow.
