slowly
UK[ˈsləʊli]US[ˈsloʊli]
adv
At a slow speed; not quickly.
Morpheme Breakdown
slow
ly
slow
not fast
ly
adverb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word "slowly" is a transparent adverb formed by adding the productive adverbial suffix "-ly" to the adjective "slow." The root "slow" originates from Old English slāw, meaning "inactive, sluggish, or not quick," which has cognates in other Germanic languages. The suffix "-ly" derives from Old English -līce, originally meaning "having the body or form of," which evolved into a general adverbial marker. The combination directly and logically creates the modern meaning, describing an action performed in a manner characterized by low speed or lack of haste.
Analysis
Structure: slow (not fast) + ly (adverb-forming suffix)
- slow: From Old English slāw (inactive, sluggish). Germanic origin.
- ly: From Old English -līce (forming adverbs from adjectives). Germanic origin.
Examples
She walked slowly down the path, enjoying the morning sun.
The traffic moved slowly through the construction zone.
He spoke slowly and clearly so everyone could understand.