slow-motion

A slow-motion film shows a hummingbird's wings in perfect detail.

Definition

1. Noun (often used as a modifier):
   • A technique in film or video: "slow-motion" refers to the process of recording or displaying action at a slower speed than it actually occurred, typically achieved by filming at a higher frame rate and then playing back at a standard rate. This creates an effect where movements appear elongated and more detailed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The director used slow-motion to emphasize the dancer's graceful leap. (The technique of showing the leap at a reduced speed.)
  • In sports replays, slow-motion helps viewers see the exact moment the ball crosses the line. (The slowed-down playback for analysis.)

• As a modifier (attributive use):

  • We watched a slow-motion replay of the goal. (A replay shown at a reduced speed.)
  • The film features several slow-motion sequences during the chase scene. (Scenes recorded or displayed with the slow-motion technique.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go into slow-motion": to transition into a slowed-down visual effect.

  • As the car crashed, the scene seemed to go into slow-motion. (The visual effect made the event appear to unfold slowly.)

• "slow-motion effect": the visual outcome of using this technique.

  • The slow-motion effect highlighted the spray of water droplets. (The visual result of slowing down the action.)

Variants and Related Words

• Slow-motion (adj): describing something that is moving or displayed at a reduced speed.

  • The slow-motion footage captured every detail of the explosion. (Footage shown at a slower speed than reality.)

• Slow-motion replay (n): a repeated showing of a segment of video at a slower speed.

  • The commentator analyzed the slow-motion replay of the penalty kick. (A slowed-down repetition of the video.)

Synonyms

• Slowed-down: made to move or appear at a slower pace.
• Time-lapse (opposite concept): a technique where frames are captured at a lower rate to speed up action (not synonymous, but related).

Related Idioms

• "in slow motion": occurring at a greatly reduced speed, often used metaphorically.

  • The argument seemed to happen in slow motion, with every word hanging in the air. (The event felt unnaturally drawn out.)

• "like a slow-motion train wreck": describing a disaster or failure that unfolds gradually and inevitably.

  • The project was like a slow-motion train wreck, with problems appearing one by one. (A disaster that develops slowly and predictably.)