Reducing speed or rate of progress gradually. In academic settings, it describes a slowing pace of learning or performance improvement.
From Latin 'de-' (down, away) + 'celerare' (to hasten), from 'celer' meaning swift. First used in English around 1899, initially in physics contexts before expanding to general use.
The word contains 'celer' - the same root as 'celebrity' - because celebrities were originally people who were 'celebrated' quickly, with swift fame spreading their name!
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