slowly
SaySLOH-lee/ˈsloʊli//ˈsləʊli/
- 1In a manner marked by low speed; not quickly.
Like honey dripping from a spoon.
The glacier moves slowly, advancing only a few inches each year.
She spoke slowly so that everyone could follow her instructions.
UsageCompare it as more slowly (or slower). After go or drive, slow also works: go slow, drive slow.
Similargradually, unhurriedly, deliberately, leisurely
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Origin
From Middle English "slowly" (also "slowli," "slouli"), from Old English "slāwlīċe" meaning "slowly" or "sluggishly": essentially "slow" plus the suffix "-ly."
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Slowly descends through Middle English forms slowly, slowli and slouli from Old English slāwlīċe. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English slāwlīċe means slowly or sluggishly. en.wiktionary.org
- The formation is equivalent to slow plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org