slacken — to become slower, less active, or less intense
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become slower, less active, or less intense
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈslækən/
Example Sentences
- After eating too much pizza, John's running speed began to slacken dramatically.
- The teacher noticed that students' attention tends to slacken right before lunch.
- Sales usually slacken during the winter months.
slacken
VERB[/ˈslækən/]
to become slower, less active, or less intense
The sailors slacken the ropes as the ship enters calmer waters.
Steps slacken in the bracken as skies blacken.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'slacken', derived from Old English 'slæc' meaning slack or loose, combined with the causative suffix '-en' meaning to make or become.
Breakdown
slack (loose, not tight) + -en (causative suffix meaning to make or become) = slacken (to make or become slack/loose)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After eating too much pizza, John's running speed began to slacken dramatically.”
“The teacher noticed that students' attention tends to slacken right before lunch.”
“Sales usually slacken during the winter months.”
“My motivation to exercise tends to slacken when I see a donut shop.”
📚Related Words
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