Definition

1. Adverb:
   • At a reduced speed; with less rapidity: The comparative form of "slowly," indicating a decrease in the rate of motion or action compared to something else.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb:
  • Please drive slower on this icy road. (This advises reducing the speed of the vehicle.)
  • He reads slower than his sister, but he understands the text better. (This compares his reading speed to his sister's, indicating his is less rapid.)
  • The clock is running slower, so we need to adjust it. (This describes a decreased rate of operation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go slower": to reduce one's pace or speed.
  • As the hill got steeper, the hikers had to go slower.
• "to take it slower": to proceed with reduced intensity or haste.
  • After his illness, the doctor advised him to take things slower at work.

Variants and Related Words

• Slow (adjective): Not fast; moving or capable of moving at a low speed.
  • The traffic was slow this morning.
• Slowly (adverb): The base form from which "slower" is derived.
  • She walked slowly through the park.
• Slowest (adverb): The superlative form.
  • Whoever types the slowest has to buy coffee.

Synonyms

• More slowly: The formal equivalent.
• At a more leisurely pace: With less hurry.
• Less quickly: The opposite of "more quickly."

Notes on Usage

• In formal writing, "more slowly" is often preferred over "slower" when used as an adverb. However, "slower" is widely accepted and commonly used in both spoken and written English.
  • Formal: Could you speak more slowly?
  • Common: Could you speak slower?
• "Slower" can also function informally as a comparative adjective in non-standard constructions, but its primary and standard function is as an adverb.

Adverb

1. more slowly