slowly
10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for slowly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — At a slow speed or pace; not quickly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use slowly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
slowly but surely
move slowly
slowly fade
Etymology
From Old English slāwlīce, simply "slow" plus the adverb ending "-ly" — it has meant "at an unhurried pace" for well over a thousand years.
Full origin of slowly →Frequently asked questions
What does “slowly” mean?
The word “slowly” means at a slow speed or pace; not quickly. In plain terms, not fast — taking your time.
How do you pronounce “slowly”?
“Slowly” is pronounced SLOH-lee (/ˈsloʊli/ in IPA).
How do you use “slowly” in a sentence?
Here is “slowly” used in a sentence: “She walked slowly along the beach, enjoying the sunset.”
What is the opposite of “slowly”?
The opposite of “slowly” — its antonyms — are quickly and rapidly.
What part of speech is “slowly”?
“Slowly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “slowly” come from?
The word “slowly” comes from Old English. From Old English slāwlīce, simply "slow" plus the adverb ending "-ly" — it has meant "at an unhurried pace" for well over a thousand years.
Is “slowly” a common word?
“Slowly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between slow and slowly?
Slow can work as both an adjective ('a slow train') and, informally, an adverb ('go slow'). Slowly is only an adverb and describes how an action is done ('she walked slowly'). In careful or formal writing, slowly is the safer choice after a verb, while slow usually modifies a noun.
What is the opposite of slowly?
The direct opposite of slowly is quickly or fast, meaning at speed. Related antonyms include rapidly, swiftly, hastily and speedily. Which one fits depends on tone: rapidly and swiftly suit formal writing, while fast and quickly are everyday choices for describing something done at a high pace.
What is an example of slowly used in a sentence?
Slowly describes an action carried out at low speed: 'The old clock ticked slowly,' or 'He opened the door slowly so it wouldn't creak.' It can also suggest gradual change over time, as in 'The town slowly recovered after the storm,' where each step happens little by little.
