Difference Wiki

Slowly vs. Slow: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 2, 2023
"Slowly" is an adverb describing the manner of an action. "Slow" is an adjective describing the characteristic of a noun.

Key Differences

Slowly refers to the speed at which an action is performed and is used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating that something happens at a leisurely or reduced pace. Slow, however, is primarily used as an adjective, providing a description of a noun or pronoun, suggesting a lack of speed or a reduced rate of movement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
When one says "He drives slowly," the adverb 'slowly' describes the manner in which 'he' is performing the action of driving. In contrast, in "He is a slow driver," the adjective 'slow' is describing the noun 'driver', giving us information about the driver's usual speed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
If we consider the sentence, "She spoke slowly to ensure understanding," 'slowly' is giving us details about how she spoke. On the flip side, "The slow speech was difficult to follow" uses 'slow' to describe the noun 'speech', commenting on its pace.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
The instruction "Please read slowly" applies 'slowly' directly to the verb 'read', asking for the action of reading to be done at a slower pace. In a different context, "The slow reader took extra time to finish the book," 'slow' is characterizing the noun 'reader', telling us that the reader generally reads at a slower pace.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
In writing, using 'slowly' enhances the description of actions, giving a narrative a more detailed pacing. For example, "The sun sank slowly below the horizon," provides a visual pace to the sunset. Whereas using 'slow' sets the scene or describes a characteristic, as in "The slow summer days stretched on endlessly," giving us a general sense of time passing.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adverb
Adjective
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Function

Modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives
Describes or modifies nouns
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Usage in a Sentence

To indicate how an action is performed
To describe the nature or characteristic of something
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Examples

"She smiled slowly."
"The computer is slow."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023

Position in Sentence

Typically follows the verb it modifies
Precedes the noun it describes or follows a linking verb
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Slowly and Slow Definitions

Slowly

Indicating a gradual progression.
Spring arrived slowly but surely.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Slow

Not quick to understand or respond.
He's slow to catch on to jokes.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023

Slowly

At a slow pace or speed.
The hours passed slowly.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023

Slow

Operating at reduced or less than desired speed.
My computer is slow today.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Slowly

With caution or reluctance.
She slowly approached the stray dog.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Slow

Taking or requiring a long time.
It was a slow process to get the results.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Slowly

With a lag or delay.
The news spread slowly across the town.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023

Slow

Not moving quickly; at a reduced pace.
Traffic was slow after the accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023

Slowly

With deliberate, unhurried action.
He slowly turned the key in the lock.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Slow

Not busy or active.
Business is slow during the winter months.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023

Slowly

Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022

Slow

Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022

Slowly

Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022

Slow

Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022

FAQs

Can I use slowly with non-action verbs?

Slowly is best used with action verbs since it describes the manner of an action.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Is slowly always related to movement?

Slowly typically describes the pace of an action, which often involves movement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Is slow used for performance?

Yes, slow can describe the performance of a device or person, indicating reduced efficiency.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023

Can slow be used as an adverb?

Yes, in informal English, slow can sometimes function as an adverb, as in "Go slow."
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023

Can slow describe personality?

Yes, slow can describe someone's nature, like being slow to anger.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023

Does slowly have a comparative form?

Yes, more slowly or slower can be used as the comparative form of slowly.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Can slow be used before verbs?

As an adjective, no. As an informal adverb, sometimes, as in "Drive slow."
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023

Can the word slowly be an adjective?

No, slowly is always used as an adverb.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Can slowly describe a period of time?

Slowly can describe the perceived length of time, as in "The days went by slowly."
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023

Does slow always imply a negative connotation?

Not always, in some contexts slow is positive, like "slow-cooked" implying careful preparation.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023

Can I use slow as an adverb in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's best to use slowly as the adverbial form.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023

Can slowly be used figuratively?

Yes, slowly can be used to describe actions or changes metaphorically.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023

Is it correct to say "a slow run"?

Yes, this implies the run was at a slow pace.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023

Can I use slow to describe music?

Yes, slow can describe the tempo of music.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023

Does slowly have synonyms?

Yes, words like gradually, unhurriedly, and leisurely are synonyms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023

Does slow describe time?

Slow can describe the passage of time, as in "time moves slow."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Can slow modify another adjective?

No, slow is an adjective and can't modify another adjective.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Can I use slowly in a sentence without a verb?

No, slowly needs a verb to modify.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023

Is slowly only for physical actions?

No, it can also describe the rate of change in situations or emotional responses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023

Is "move slow" grammatically correct?

It's correct in informal English, though "move slowly" is the standard adverbial form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons