How Do You Spell SLOWLY?

Pronunciation: [slˈə͡ʊli] (IPA)

The word "slowly" is an adverb that refers to a gradual or unhurried movement or action. Its spelling can be confusing due to the silent letter "w." However, the correct phonetic transcription is /ˈsləʊli/. The first syllable "slo" is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "go," followed by the unstressed vowel "schwa" sound represented by the "o" in "only." The final syllable "ly" is pronounced with a long "e" sound as in "me." Together, the word is pronounced as "sloh-lee."

SLOWLY Meaning and Definition

  1. "Slowly" is an adverb that typically describes the manner in which an action or process occurs, indicating a lack of speed or acceleration. It refers to the gradual or unhurried way in which something happens or is done, emphasizing a reduced tempo or pace.

    When used to describe a person or object, "slowly" suggests a movement or progression that is lagging, leisurely, or unhurried. It implies a lack of quickness or agility, often conveying a deliberate or relaxed approach. For instance, one might say that a turtle moves slowly compared to a cheetah, indicating the turtle's gradual and unhurried pace.

    In the context of time, "slowly" signifies an elongated or drawn-out duration. It suggests a time frame that is protracted, with a sluggish or leisurely passage of hours or moments. For example, if someone mentions that time is passing slowly during a tedious activity, it implies a perception of the activity being long and seemingly endless.

    "Slowly" can also describe a process or action that occurs at a decelerated speed, indicating a gradual or gentle change. This usage suggests a measured or deliberate approach, often associated with caution or meticulousness. For instance, when cooking on low heat, one might be advised to add ingredients slowly to avoid quick temperature changes, allowing a gradual and controlled transition.

    Overall, "slowly" denotes a lack of haste, swiftness, or rapidity, implying gradualness, slowness, or a reduced velocity in various aspects of life, movement, time, or processes.

Top Common Misspellings for SLOWLY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SLOWLY

Etymology of SLOWLY

The word "slowly" originates from the Old English word "slāwlice", which was derived from the adjective "slāw" meaning "slow" or "sluggish". The Old English word "slāw" itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "slawaz" meaning "slothful" or "inert". Over time, "slāwlice" in Old English transformed into "slowli" in Middle English, and ultimately evolved into the modern English word "slowly".

Idioms with the word SLOWLY

  • twist(slowly) in the wind The idiom "twist(slowly) in the wind" means to be left in a state of uncertainty, helplessness, or vulnerability, often due to neglect or lack of support from others. It refers to a situation where someone is abandoned, ignored, or left to suffer the consequences without any assistance or reassurance. The twisting motion symbolizes the person's discomfort, anxiety, or distress while being exposed to adversity or difficult circumstances.
  • slowly but surely The idiom "slowly but surely" means that progress or advancement is happening gradually but consistently and surely. It implies that even though the process may appear slow, it is steadily moving towards the desired outcome or goal.
  • mills of the gods grind slowly The idiom "mills of the gods grind slowly" conveys the idea that justice or retribution may take a long time but will eventually be served. It suggests that the consequences of one's actions may not be immediate, but they will inevitably catch up to them.
  • mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small The idiom "mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small" means that although justice or divine intervention may be slow and seemingly inactive, it is inevitable and ultimately results in fair outcomes or punishment. It suggests that even though it may take time, those who have committed wrongdoing will eventually face consequences for their actions.
  • Make haste slowly,
  • easy/gently/slowly does it This idiom is used to advise someone to proceed with caution and take things slowly and carefully in order to avoid making mistakes or causing harm. It is often used when completing a task or when dealing with a delicate or sensitive situation.

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