Quickly vs. Slowly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Quickly" denotes performing an action with speed, while "Slowly" signifies performing an action at a leisurely pace.
Key Differences
Quickly is an adverb that indicates an action being done with haste or speed. On the opposite end, Slowly suggests the action is carried out with deliberation or at a reduced pace.
When someone moves quickly, they cover a distance or complete a task in a short amount of time. In contrast, moving slowly implies taking one's time, either intentionally or due to limitations.
A person speaking quickly might convey urgency or excitement, whereas someone speaking slowly might be emphasizing clarity, pondering their words, or expressing calmness.
In nature, some animals are built to move quickly to catch their prey or evade predators, while others move slowly to conserve energy or remain unnoticed.
Quickly and slowly can also depict the speed at which one understands or processes information. One might grasp concepts quickly, showing an immediate understanding, while another person might need to think slowly and methodically to comprehend.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Done with speed
Done at a leisurely pace
Implied Intention
Often indicates urgency or efficiency
May suggest deliberation or relaxation
Time Consumption
Less time is taken
More time is taken
In Speech
Talks with speed, possibly due to excitement
Speaks more deliberately for clarity or calmness
In Learning
Understands concepts rapidly
Takes time to process and comprehend
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Quickly and Slowly Definitions
Quickly
Without any delay.
She answered the question quickly.
Slowly
Gradually or bit by bit.
The days grew slowly warmer.
Quickly
At an accelerated rate.
The news spread quickly.
Slowly
At a reduced pace.
The clock ticks slowly.
Quickly
With haste or speed.
He ran quickly to catch the bus.
Slowly
Without hurry or urgency.
She slowly read the book over a month.
Quickly
In a prompt manner.
He quickly realized his mistake.
Slowly
With deliberation or care.
Pour the water slowly into the bowl.
Quickly
In a brief span of time.
Time passes so quickly.
Slowly
Over an extended duration.
Slowly, he started to trust her.
Quickly
Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically; speedy
An animal that is quick enough to escape most predators.
Slowly
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Quickly
Learning, thinking, or understanding with speed and dexterity; bright
A quick mind.
Slowly
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Quickly
Perceiving or responding with speed and sensitivity; keen
Quick reflexes.
Slowly
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Quickly
Reacting immediately and sharply
A quick temper.
Slowly
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Quickly
Occurring, achieved, or acquired in a relatively brief period of time
A quick rise through the ranks.
A quick profit.
Slowly
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Quickly
Done or occurring immediately
A quick inspection. ].
Slowly
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Quickly
Rapidly; with speed; fast.
Slowly
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Quickly
Very soon.
If we go this way, we'll get there quickly.
Slowly
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Quickly
Speedily; with haste or celerity; soon; without delay; quick.
Slowly
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Quickly
With rapid movements;
He works quickly
Slowly
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Quickly
With little or no delay;
The rescue squad arrived promptly
Come here, quick!
Slowly
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Quickly
Without taking pains;
He looked cursorily through the magazine
Slowly
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Slowly
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Slowly
To make slow or slower.
Slowly
To delay; retard.
Slowly
To become slow or slower.
Slowly
(manner) At a slow pace.
Slowly
In a slow manner; moderately; not rapidly; not early; not rashly; not readly; tardly.
Slowly
Without speed (`slow' is sometimes used informally for `slowly');
He spoke slowly
Go easy here--the road is slippery
Glaciers move tardily
Please go slow so I can see the sights
Slowly
In music;
Play this lento, please
FAQs
What does Quickly mean in terms of speed?
"Quickly" refers to an action done with haste or speed.
How does Slowly describe the pace of an action?
"Slowly" describes an action being done at a leisurely or deliberate pace.
Can animals move both quickly and slowly?
Yes, some animals move quickly to catch prey, while others move slowly to conserve energy.
Is doing something quickly always better?
Not always; some tasks require careful deliberation and are better done slowly.
Do quickly and slowly indicate mood?
They can; moving quickly might indicate excitement, and moving slowly might express calmness or sadness.
Can Quickly and Slowly be used to describe speech?
Yes, speaking quickly may convey urgency, while speaking slowly can emphasize clarity or calmness.
Can the terms apply to understanding concepts?
Yes, some people understand things quickly, while others process information more slowly.
If someone learns quickly, what does it imply?
It implies they understand or grasp concepts in a short amount of time.
What does it mean if a person walks slowly?
It means they're moving at a relaxed or unhurried pace.
In music, what do quickly and slowly signify?
They can refer to tempo, with quickly indicating a fast tempo and slowly indicating a slow one.
In cooking, when might one stir quickly or slowly?
One might stir quickly to mix ingredients thoroughly and slowly to avoid spills or gently incorporate ingredients.
What's the opposite of quickly?
The opposite of quickly is slowly.
If time passes quickly, what does it mean?
It means that it feels like a shorter duration than it actually is.
Can weather change quickly or slowly?
Yes, some weather changes happen rapidly, like sudden storms, while others, like seasonal changes, occur slowly.
How do quickly and slowly relate to efficiency?
Doing something quickly can be efficient, but doing it too quickly might lead to mistakes, while doing something slowly might ensure accuracy.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
