slowest
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb (Superlative form):
- In the most slow manner; with the least speed or quickness: "slowest" is the superlative form of the adverb "slowly," meaning to perform an action with the minimum possible speed or rate among a group.
Usage
- "Slowest" is used to compare three or more actions, indicating which one has the least speed.
- It modifies verbs to describe an action is performed.
- It can sometimes be used in an absolute sense, meaning "more slowly than all others" without a direct comparison being stated.
Examples
- Adverb:
- Of all the runners, he finished the race slowest. (He had the lowest speed.)
- The old computer processes data the slowest in the office. (It has the lowest processing rate.)
- Please drive the slowest on this icy road. (Drive with the greatest caution and least speed.)
Advanced Usage
- "the slowest": Used as an adverbial phrase for emphasis.
- This application loads the slowest of all the software I use.
- Figurative Use: Can describe the lowest rate of progress or development.
- Economic growth recovered slowest in the northern regions.
Variants and Related Words
- Slow (adjective/adverb): Moving or operating at a low speed.
- Adjective: a slow car.
- Adverb (informal): Drive slow.
- Slower (comparative adverb): More slowly.
- She walks slower than I do.
- Slowly (adverb): At a slow speed. (The base form from which "slowest" is derived).
- He spoke slowly and clearly.
Synonyms
- Most gradually
- Most leisurely
- At the lowest speed
Antonyms
- Fastest
- Quickest
- Most rapidly
Notes
- In formal writing, "most slowly" is often preferred over "slowest" as the superlative adverb. However, "slowest" is widely used and accepted, especially in comparative contexts.
- "Slow" can also function as an adverb informally (e.g., "Go slow!"), but its superlative form "slowest" is standard for both formal and informal adverbial use.