Quickly vs. Slowly — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Quickly refers to doing something at a fast pace or speed, often to save time or respond urgently, while slowly describes actions performed at a leisurely or deliberate pace, emphasizing caution or relaxation.
Difference Between Quickly and Slowly
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Key Differences
When something is done quickly, it implies rapid action or a swift response, aiming to achieve a result or complete a task in a short amount of time. On the other hand, doing something slowly involves a more measured or deliberate approach, often to ensure thoroughness or enjoy the process.
Quick actions are typically associated with efficiency and urgency, beneficial in time-sensitive situations like emergencies or deadlines. Conversely, slowly often connotes meticulousness and patience, valuable in contexts where precision or careful consideration is needed.
In terms of perception, moving quickly can sometimes lead to mistakes or oversights due to haste, whereas moving slowly might be seen as a lack of urgency or procrastination in certain fast-paced environments.
Physiologically, doing tasks quickly can elevate stress levels or cause a rush of adrenaline, useful in energizing or acute scenarios. Meanwhile, performing tasks slowly can help in reducing stress and maintaining calm, especially in high-pressure situations.
Culturally, societies that value speed might praise the ability to operate quickly, equating it to productivity. In contrast, cultures emphasizing mindfulness or quality might appreciate the benefits of taking things slowly.
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Efficiency and urgency.
Meticulousness and patience.
Benefits
Saves time, suitable for emergencies and deadlines.
Ensures thoroughness, ideal for precision tasks.
Common Risks
Potential for mistakes due to haste.
Perceived as procrastination in urgent scenarios.
Physiological Impact
Increases stress levels and adrenaline.
Reduces stress, maintains calm.
Cultural Perception
Often associated with productivity and capability.
Valued in contexts emphasizing quality over speed.
Compare with Definitions
Quickly
With great speed or without much delay.
She answered the phone quickly.
Slowly
At a slow pace or speed.
The car moved slowly down the snowy road.
Quickly
In a brief period of time.
The meeting concluded quickly.
Slowly
With a lack of speed or promptness.
The project progressed slowly due to frequent interruptions.
Quickly
Without hesitation or delay.
He quickly agreed to the proposal.
Slowly
Deliberately; with careful consideration.
She slowly chose her next words.
Quickly
With promptness or speed.
Quickly adjusting to changes is essential in this field.
Slowly
Without hurry or rush.
They slowly savored their meal.
Quickly
At a fast pace; rapidly.
He ran quickly to catch the bus.
Slowly
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Quickly
Quickly (Chinese: 快可立; pinyin: Kuàikělì) is one of the largest tapioca milk tea franchises in the world, with over 2000 locations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Quickly is the brand name of Kuai Ke Li Enterprise Co.
Slowly
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Quickly
Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically; speedy
An animal that is quick enough to escape most predators.
Slowly
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Quickly
Learning, thinking, or understanding with speed and dexterity; bright
A quick mind.
Slowly
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Quickly
Perceiving or responding with speed and sensitivity; keen
Quick reflexes.
Slowly
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Quickly
Reacting immediately and sharply
A quick temper.
Slowly
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Quickly
Occurring, achieved, or acquired in a relatively brief period of time
A quick rise through the ranks.
A quick profit.
Slowly
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Quickly
Done or occurring immediately
A quick inspection. ].
Slowly
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Quickly
Rapidly; with speed; fast.
Slowly
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Quickly
Very soon.
If we go this way, we'll get there quickly.
Slowly
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Quickly
Speedily; with haste or celerity; soon; without delay; quick.
Slowly
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Quickly
With rapid movements;
He works quickly
Slowly
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Quickly
With little or no delay;
The rescue squad arrived promptly
Come here, quick!
Slowly
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Quickly
Without taking pains;
He looked cursorily through the magazine
Slowly
To make slow or slower.
Slowly
To delay; retard.
Slowly
To become slow or slower.
Slowly
(manner) At a slow pace.
Slowly
In a slow manner; moderately; not rapidly; not early; not rashly; not readly; tardly.
Slowly
Without speed (`slow' is sometimes used informally for `slowly');
He spoke slowly
Go easy here--the road is slippery
Glaciers move tardily
Please go slow so I can see the sights
Slowly
In music;
Play this lento, please
Slowly
Gradually or bit by bit.
He slowly began to trust again.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to do something quickly?
Doing something quickly means performing an action at a fast pace to achieve results or meet deadlines swiftly.
How can doing something slowly be advantageous?
Doing something slowly allows for more thoroughness and care, which can be advantageous in precision-required tasks.
Are there situations where working quickly could be detrimental?
Yes, in tasks where detail and accuracy are crucial, working quickly might lead to mistakes.
Can moving slowly have negative perceptions?
Yes, in fast-paced environments, moving slowly might be perceived as inefficiency or lack of urgency.
Why might someone choose to walk slowly?
Reasons for walking slowly include enjoying the surroundings, physical limitations, or the desire for gentle exercise.
Is it better to learn quickly or slowly?
The better approach depends on the learning context; quickly for general knowledge, slowly for complex skills.
What are physiological effects of working quickly?
Working quickly can increase stress and adrenaline, providing energy but potentially leading to burnout.
What tasks are best suited for a quick pace?
Tasks like data entry, basic administrative duties, or emergency responses are suited for a quick pace.
Does culture affect perceptions of working quickly vs. slowly?
Yes, cultural values can influence whether quick or slow work is more appreciated.
How does the pace of work impact productivity?
A faster pace can enhance productivity in straightforward tasks, while a slower pace may yield better results in complex or creative tasks.
What psychological benefits does taking things slowly offer?
Taking things slowly can reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and improve overall mental health.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
