Slow vs. Slowly — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 8, 2024
"Slow" is an adjective describing something with a low speed, while "slowly" is an adverb modifying how an action is performed, indicating it's done at a low speed.
Difference Between Slow and Slowly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Slow describes the inherent speed of an object or subject, emphasizing its innate or current state of motion or progress. For example, a slow computer takes a long time to process information. On the other hand, slowly modifies an action, indicating the manner or rate at which it is performed. For instance, when someone walks slowly, they are deliberately reducing their pace.
While "slow" can describe characteristics, conditions, or even people in terms of speed and responsiveness, slowly specifically refers to the execution of actions or movements. A slow train might naturally have a low maximum speed, whereas a train moving slowly could be due to a temporary condition or deliberate action.
In usage, "slow" can function as a predicate adjective following a linking verb, as in "The traffic is slow." Conversely, "slowly" is used to modify verbs and sometimes adjectives or other adverbs, as in "She speaks slowly" or "The car moved painfully slowly."
The distinction also extends to figurative language. "Slow" can describe non-physical processes or developments, such as slow progress in a project, implying gradual advancement. "Slowly" can depict the gradual manner in which something intangible occurs, like slowly gaining trust.
Lastly, while "slow" can serve as a verb, meaning to reduce speed or delay progress, "slowly" remains purely adverbial, maintaining its role in describing the manner of actions or occurrences without influencing the action directly.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (also used as a verb)
Adverb
Function
Describes nouns
Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
Usage
Indicates a state or characteristic
Indicates the manner of an action
Examples
A slow turtle, slow growth
Walking slowly, fading slowly
Figurative Use
Can describe non-physical concepts (e.g., slow progress)
Used to describe the manner of gradual changes or actions
Compare with Definitions
Slow
Moving or operating at a low speed.
The slow turtle eventually reached the finish line.
Slowly
At a slow pace or speed.
She walked slowly to enjoy the scenery.
Slow
Taking a long time to change or stop.
The market was slow to react to the news.
Slowly
With deliberate, careful actions.
She slowly turned the page of the old book.
Slow
Lacking in promptness or speed.
The response to the emergency was disappointingly slow.
Slowly
With a lack of speed or quickness.
Time passed slowly in the waiting room.
Slow
Not intellectually quick or alert.
He was slow to understand the joke.
Slowly
With a lack of enthusiasm or energy.
The day started slowly for the team.
Slow
Low in tempo or pace.
The band played a slow ballad.
Slowly
Gradually or bit by bit.
He slowly gained confidence with practice.
Slow
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Slowly
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Slow
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Slowly
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Slow
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Slowly
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Slow
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Slowly
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Slow
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Slowly
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Slow
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Slowly
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Slow
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Slowly
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Slow
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Slowly
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Slow
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Slowly
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Slow
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Slowly
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Slow
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Slowly
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Slow
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Slowly
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Slow
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Slowly
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Slow
To make slow or slower.
Slowly
To make slow or slower.
Slow
To delay; retard.
Slowly
To delay; retard.
Slow
To become slow or slower.
Slowly
To become slow or slower.
Slow
Taking a long time to move or go a short distance, or to perform an action; not quick in motion; proceeding at a low speed.
A slow train;
A slow computer
Slowly
(manner) At a slow pace.
Slow
Not happening in a short time; spread over a comparatively long time.
Slowly
In a slow manner; moderately; not rapidly; not early; not rashly; not readly; tardly.
Slow
Of reduced intellectual capacity; not quick to comprehend.
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
Slow
Not hasty; not tending to hurry; acting with deliberation or caution.
Slowly
In music;
Play this lento, please
Slow
(of a clock or the like) Behind in time; indicating a time earlier than the true time.
That clock is slow.
Slow
Lacking spirit; deficient in liveliness or briskness.
Slow
(of a period of time) Not busy; lacking activity.
It was a slow news day, so the editor asked us to make our articles wordier.
I'm just sitting here with a desk of cards, enjoying a slow afternoon.
Slow
(transitive) To make (something) run, move, etc. less quickly; to reduce the speed of.
Slow the process
Slow
(transitive) To keep from going quickly; to hinder the progress of.
Slow the traffic
Slow
(intransitive) To become slow; to slacken in speed; to decelerate.
Slow
Someone who is slow; a sluggard.
Slow
(music) A slow song.
Slow
Slowly.
That clock is running slow.
I want to dance with you nice and slow
Slow
Slew.
Slow
Moving a short space in a relatively long time; not swift; not quick in motion; not rapid; moderate; deliberate; as, a slow stream; a slow motion.
Slow
Not happening in a short time; gradual; late.
These changes in the heavens, though slow, producedLike change on sea and land, sidereal blast.
Slow
Not ready; not prompt or quick; dilatory; sluggish; as, slow of speech, and slow of tongue.
Fixed on defense, the Trojans are not slowTo guard their shore from an expected foe.
Slow
Not hasty; not precipitate; acting with deliberation; tardy; inactive.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding.
Slow
Behind in time; indicating a time earlier than the true time; as, the clock or watch is slow.
Slow
Not advancing or improving rapidly; as, the slow growth of arts and sciences.
Slow
Heavy in wit; not alert, prompt, or spirited; wearisome; dull.
Slow
Slowly.
Let him have time to mark how slow time goesIn time of sorrow.
Slow
To render slow; to slacken the speed of; to retard; to delay; as, to slow a steamer.
Slow
To go slower; - often with up; as, the train slowed up before crossing the bridge.
Slow
A moth.
Slow
Lose velocity; move more slowly;
The car decelerated
Slow
Become slow or slower;
Production slowed
Slow
Cause to proceed more slowly;
The illness slowed him down
Slow
Not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time;
A slow walker
The slow lane of traffic
Her steps were slow
He was slow in reacting to the news
Slow but steady growth
Slow
At a slow tempo;
The band played a slow waltz
Slow
Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity;
So dense he never understands anything I say to him
Never met anyone quite so dim
Although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick
Dumb officials make some really dumb decisions
He was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse
Worked with the slow students
Slow
(used of timepieces) indicating a time earlier than the correct time;
The clock is slow
Slow
So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness;
A boring evening with uninteresting people
The deadening effect of some routine tasks
A dull play
His competent but dull performance
A ho-hum speaker who couldn't capture their attention
What an irksome task the writing of long letters is
Tedious days on the train
The tiresome chirping of a cricket
Other people's dreams are dreadfully wearisome
Slow
(of business) not active or brisk;
Business is dull (or slow)
A sluggish market
Slow
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
Slow
Of timepieces;
The clock is almost an hour slow
My watch is running behind
Common Curiosities
How can "slow" function in a sentence?
"Slow" can serve as an adjective describing nouns or as a verb. When used as an adjective, it follows linking verbs to describe a subject's state.
Is "slowly" ever used to describe things other than physical actions?
Yes, "slowly" can describe the gradual manner in which non-physical changes occur, like emotions or relationships developing slowly.
How does "slow" convey a qualitative judgment?
"Slow" can imply a negative judgment, particularly when describing tasks or processes expected to be quick, indicating inefficiency.
Can the use of "slow" or "slowly" affect the tone of a sentence?
Yes, choosing between "slow" and "slowly" can affect the tone, with "slowly" often adding a sense of deliberateness or emphasis on the manner of action.
How is "slowly" used differently from "slow"?
"Slowly" is used to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating it's done at a low pace.
Can "slowly" modify adjectives?
Yes, "slowly" can modify adjectives to describe the extent or manner of a quality, such as "painfully slowly."
What does "slow" describe?
"Slow" describes an entity or process that operates or moves at a low speed, often indicating an inherent characteristic.
Can "slow" be used as a verb?
Yes, "slow" can also function as a verb meaning to reduce speed or delay progress.
Are there contexts where "slow" and "slowly" are interchangeable?
While they might seem interchangeable in casual conversation, their grammatical roles as adjective and adverb make them distinct in formal usage.
Does "slowly" imply intentionality in actions?
"Slowly" can suggest deliberate pacing or careful execution of an action, implying intentionality.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
