This is the 11307th most frequent French word.
ralentissant
Slowing down.
Here, 'ralentissant' functions as a verb (present participle) that describes the gradual decrease in speed at each intersection.
Le conducteur avançait lentement, ralentissant à chaque intersection.
The driver was moving slowly, slowing down at each intersection.
In this sentence, 'ralentissant' serves as a participle modifying 'bateau', specifying its state or action as it slowed during the approach.
Nous avons attendu patiemment sur le pont, observant le bateau ralentissant en approche.
We waited patiently on the bridge, watching the boat slowing down as it approached.
Here, 'ralentissant' functions as a descriptor of 'train', highlighting the action it is undergoing attributed to the speed change.