Slowest vs. Slower — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
"Slower" is the comparative form of slow, indicating a relative decrease in speed between two entities, whereas "slowest" is the superlative form, identifying the least speedy entity among three or more.
Difference Between Slowest and Slower
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Slower" is used to compare the speed of two items or individuals, suggesting one is less fast than the other, while "slowest" refers to the one that is least fast in a group of three or more. For instance, if comparing two cars, one might be slower than the other, but among a larger group, one might be the slowest.
When discussing performance, "slower" highlights a lesser degree of slowness relative to another directly compared object, whereas "slowest" is used to emphasize the extreme of slowness within a larger comparison group. This distinction is crucial in contexts like races or speed tests.
In terms of usage, "slower" can be applied more flexibly since it only requires one other entity for comparison, while "slowest" demands a comparison among at least three entities to be grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
"Slower" often appears in everyday language when incremental differences in speed are noted, such as in feedback or observations, whereas "slowest" is typical in more definitive evaluations, where a clear extremity in performance is observed.
Comparative and superlative forms are foundational in English grammar; "slower" and "slowest" demonstrate this through their roles in expressing degrees of speed, affecting how descriptions and comparisons are framed in discourse.
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Comparison Chart
Form
Comparative adjective
Superlative adjective
Comparison
Between two entities
Among three or more entities
Usage Context
Relative comparison
Absolute extremity in a group
Example Usage
Slower than the other car.
The slowest runner in the race.
Grammatical Need
Requires another entity for comparison
Requires a group to establish the extremity
Compare with Definitions
Slowest
Reduced in tempo or pace.
The song sounds better when played slower.
Slower
Having the lowest tempo or pace in a set.
Choose the slowest tempo for learning this dance routine.
Slowest
Less advanced in development or progress.
The software development is slower than anticipated.
Slower
Least prompt or quick to react among others.
Among her peers, she's the slowest to understand new concepts.
Slowest
Moving or operating at a low speed relative to something else.
The car is slower than the motorcycle.
Slower
Moving or operating at the lowest speed among a group.
This train is the slowest of all on this line.
Slowest
Not prompt or quick to react.
He is slower to respond in the mornings.
Slower
Least advanced in a group.
He finished the test slowest in his class.
Slowest
Comparatively low in speed.
This printer is slower than the one we used last year.
Slower
Absolute lowest in speed in a comparative group.
Of all the athletes, he was the slowest.
Slowest
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Slower
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Slowest
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Slower
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Slowest
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Slower
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Slowest
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Slower
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Slowest
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Slower
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Slowest
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Slower
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Slowest
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Slower
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Slowest
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Slower
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Slowest
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Slower
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Slowest
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Slower
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Slowest
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Slower
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Slowest
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Slower
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Slowest
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Slower
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Slowest
To make slow or slower.
Slower
To make slow or slower.
Slowest
To delay; retard.
Slower
To delay; retard.
Slowest
To become slow or slower.
Slower
To become slow or slower.
Slowest
Most slowly
Slower
That which slows.
Slower
More slowly
Common Curiosities
How do I know when to use "slower" or "slowest"?
Use "slower" when comparing two items directly, and "slowest" when determining which is the least fast among a larger group.
Can "slower" and "slowest" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical purposes: "slower" for direct comparisons, and "slowest" for identifying extremes in larger groups.
Is it correct to say someone is the "slowest" if only comparing two people?
No, in such cases, "slower" should be used instead.
Can "slower" be used positively?
Yes, in contexts where slower progress might be beneficial or safer, such as learning a new skill.
What is an example of incorrect usage of "slower" and "slowest"?
Incorrect: "He is the slower of the four runners." Correct: "He is the slowest of the four runners."
What is the main grammatical difference between "slower" and "slowest"?
"Slower" is a comparative adjective used for comparing two entities, while "slowest" is a superlative adjective used among three or more entities.
Can "slowest" be used without mentioning other comparisons?
Typically, "slowest" implies other entities are being compared even if they aren't explicitly mentioned.
How does context affect the use of "slower" and "slowest"?
The context of the number of items compared dictates whether "slower" or "slowest" should be used.
What is the effect of using "slowest" in a performance review?
It highlights that the person is performing at the lowest speed compared to all others reviewed, suggesting significant improvement is needed.
Why is it important to distinguish between "slower" and "slowest"?
Proper usage affects the clarity and accuracy of communication, especially in descriptive and comparative contexts.
What is a common mistake when using "slower" and "slowest"?
A common mistake is using "slowest" when only two entities are being compared, which should instead use "slower."
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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
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.
