Dictionary

slow-burning en · ADJ

Etymology

From slow + burning.

Meanings

1. Which burns more slowly than comparable objects.
2. Made of material designed to resist fire.
3. (idiomatic) Emerging or unfolding slowly or gradually.
   • There are elements of low-key black comedy in our hapless hero’s dealing with clinic superiors, who are so clueless that their suspicions fall on entirely the wrong person. As a thriller, however, “La Dosis” is slow-burning to a fault, never quite arriving at the boil anticipated. 2021 June 8, Dennis Harvey, “‘La Dosis’ Review: Slow-Burn Thriller Imagines War Between Angels of Death in an ICU”, in Variety:
   • When the Missouri-born 26-year-old released her debut album last September, it marked the beginning of a slow-burning second act in pop. 2024 August 9, Laura Snapes, “It’s a femininomenon! How Chappell Roan slow-burned her way to stardom”, in The Guardian:
4. (broadly, idiomatic) Emerging or unfolding slowly or gradually. ▸ Of a song; that relies on anticipation and steady momentum; characteristically may be sparse or atmospheric.
   • "Neon Gravestones" is a forlorn, slow-burning hip hop piano ballad.

Forms

Antonyms

long-burning

Relateds

slow-burn · slow burn · slow burner

Synonyms

slow-burn · slow-burn