[kilgnad]

The most accurate words are actually derogatory. It's obvious but you miss the obviousness because of politics and the need to be polite.

Your friend is just slow.

[acuozzo]

> Your friend is just slow.

The issue here is that, in the US at least, referring to someone as "slow" is making a statement about their IQ.

There are many possible causes for the coworker's "slow"-ness here, e.g. anxiety, doubt, and high standards. Perhaps the coworker feels the need to respond only with well-researched responses and refuses to engage in speculation.

[gardenhedge]

Here are some words for you:

deliberative, thoughtful, methodical, considerate, introspective

[kilgnad]

Here's 3 words that overrides all your words:

cold hard truth.

[gardenhedge]

I think you misunderstood. You said "The most accurate words are actually derogatory". I proved that wrong by providing you with some accurate words that you did not know about.

[kilgnad]

No. You misunderstood. Accurate but not most accurate. The most accurate word overrides less accurate words.