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Definition of slowly

slowly

/ˈsloʊ.li/
slow · ly
Adjective:slow
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slowly Lexical Profile

slowly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

At a low speed; not quickly or rapidly in physical movement or action.

Example

"The heavy freight train moved slowly along the mountain tracks."

2

Over a long period of time; gradually or by small degrees.

Example

"Public attitudes toward renewable energy have changed slowly over the past few decades."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for slowly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for slowly

Word Nuance & Usage

Both "slowly" and "slow" can function as adverbs, though "slowly" is preferred in formal writing and before the verb (e.g., "He slowly opened the door"), whereas "slow" is typically restricted to informal imperatives or short post-verbal phrases (e.g., "Drive slow").

• Rhymes for slowly

• Nearby Words

slowcoach
slowdown
slowish
slowly
slowness
slowpoke
sludge

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English slāwlīce, formed from the adjective slāw ("inactive, sluggish, tardy") combined with the adverbial suffix -līce ("-ly").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Slowly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/slowly
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