Slowly: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：at a low speed (slowly)

slowly 🔊

/ˈsloʊli/

adv.

at a low speed; not quickly.

Elderly person watering flowers slowly in garden sunlight

at a low speed 🔊

➕

/æt ə loʊ spiːd/

adv.

Moving or occurring at a slow rate; not quickly.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'slow' (Old English 'slaw' meaning sluggish) + adverbial suffix '-ly'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a snail moving 'slowly' — S-L-O-W-L-Y spells out its pace.

📖 Example

The sun sets slowly over the ocean, painting the sky in beautiful colors. 🔊 The sun sets slowly over the ocean, painting the sky in beautiful colors.

🔗 Collocations

walk slowly – to move on foot at a leisurely pace

speak slowly – to articulate words at a reduced speed

slowly but surely – proceeding carefully and steadily

🔄 Synonyms

leisurely (adj./adv.) – acting or done at a relaxed, unhurried pace

gradually (adv.) – in a gradual way; slowly over a period

unhurriedly (adv.) – in a relaxed and calm manner without rushing

🚫 Antonyms

quickly (adv.) – at a fast speed; rapidly

fast (adv./adj.) – at a high speed

rapidly (adv.) – with great speed; quickly

🌱 Derivatives

slowness (n.) – the quality of being slow

slow (adj.) – not moving or capable of moving at high speed

slow (v.) – to reduce one's speed

📖 Cultural Story

Slowly from Old English 'slawlice' (slow). Used since 13th century for gradual action, common in 'slowly, please'.