decelerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'decelerate' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to decrease in speed or slow down. Example: The car began to decelerate as it approached the curve in the road.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If these trends continue, rural wage growth can continue to decelerate, further moderating inflationary pressures".

The Guardian

Going forward we expect year on year revenue growth rates to gradually decelerate as smartphone growth moderates.

The Guardian - Business

They said: We forecast Arm's royalty revenue growth to decelerate to 12.5% over the next 5 years, from 16.7% in the previous five.

The Guardian - Business

By their definition, even Singapore, one of the brightest examples of catch-up growth on record, has suffered several sharp slowdowns.The authors explore why middle-income countries decelerate when they do.

The Economist

Problems also loom in several of East Europe's transitional economies.The IMF forecasts that consumer-price inflation will decelerate over the next year in every emerging region except Asia.In this section INFLATION FINANCIAL MARKETS ECONOMY Reprints Related topics Turkey International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Economist

As unemployment came down, wage growth continued to decelerate, dropping below 2 percent.

The Economist

The 11th Five-Year Plan, which lays out their main economic goals for the period from 2006 to 2010, calls for growth to slow to 7.5% a year from its current double-digit pace and for consumption of energy a good proxy for resources in general to decelerate even more.The government has several motives for stepping on the brakes.

The Economist

It predicts that growth will decelerate in America from 4.7% in 2004 to 3.5% in 2005.

The Economist

Demand has been so great that the firm has had to decelerate its launch until it can recruit 500 drivers.

The Economist

The pace of economic growth, which was over 3% last year, will decelerate to 1.6% by late 2008.

The Economist

In America, though, despite signs that the recovery could decelerate, first-quarter growth nearly reached 2%, driven primarily by consumption and exports.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decelerate" when you want to convey a formal or technical sense of slowing down. It is particularly useful in contexts involving physics, economics, or precise measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "decelerate" when you simply mean to apply the brakes. "Decelerate" implies a gradual reduction in speed, while braking suggests a more immediate stop.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "decelerate" is as an intransitive or transitive verb. It describes the action of reducing speed or the rate of something, as supported by Ludwig's analysis and various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "decelerate" is a versatile verb that describes the process of slowing down or reducing the rate of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Analysis of the examples reveals that it's particularly common in "News & Media" and encyclopedic entries, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When aiming for clarity and precision, especially in technical or analytical writing, "decelerate" provides a robust alternative to simpler terms like "slow down". However, it's important to distinguish its gradual implication from the more immediate action of "braking". By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slow down

This is a more direct and common synonym for reducing speed.

Reduce speed

Focuses specifically on the reduction of velocity.

Decrease velocity

A more technical term for slowing down, often used in scientific contexts.

Retard progress

Refers to slowing down the advancement of something, not necessarily physical speed.

Moderate pace

Suggests a gentler reduction in speed or activity.

Curb momentum

Implies controlling or restraining forward movement.

Lessen rate

General term for diminishing the speed at which something happens.

Ease off

Informal way to suggest a gradual reduction in effort or speed.

Taper off

Suggests a gradual decrease, often used in the context of ending something.

Diminish intensity

Focuses on reducing the strength or force of something.

FAQs

How do you use "decelerate" in a sentence?

You can use "decelerate" to describe a decrease in speed or a slowing down of progress. For example, "The car began to "decelerate" as it approached the intersection" or "Economic growth is expected to "decelerate" next year".

What's the difference between "decelerate" and "slow down"?

"Decelerate" is a more formal and technical term for reducing speed, while "slow down" is a more common and informal way to express the same idea. While both terms indicate a reduction in speed, "decelerate" is often used in scientific or technical contexts.

What can I say instead of "decelerate"?

You can use alternatives like "slow down", "reduce speed", or "decrease velocity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "decelerate" when talking about economic growth?

Yes, it is correct. "Decelerate" can be used to describe a reduction in the rate of progress or growth, not just physical speed. For instance, you might say, "The economy is expected to "decelerate" in the coming months".