Learn how to use the comparative “more slowly” and superlative “slowest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “lowly”?

The comparative form of “lowly” is “more slowly”.

Example

He walked more slowly than his friends.

Example

The turtle moves more slowly than the rabbit.

What is the superlative form of “lowly”?

The superlative form of “lowly” is “slowest”.

Example

Among all the runners, he is the slowest.

Example

The sloth is known for being the slowest mammal.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally used with slowly, more slowly, and slowest. They’re considered irregular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'slower' and 'slowest' are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Slowly does not have a regular comparative or superlative form. It follows the irregular pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Slowly → More slowly Superlative: Slowly → Slowest

Expressions with similar meanings to “more slowly”

slower

Used to describe something that is slower in a general sense

Example

The snail is slower than the cheetah.

less quickly

A slightly formal way of expressing decreased speed

Example

The train traveled less quickly due to the heavy snowfall.

at a lower pace

Used to indicate a slower rate of movement or progress

Example

The elderly woman walked at a lower pace than the young children.

Expressions with similar meanings to “slowest”

least fast

Similar to slowest, this emphasizes a lack of speed

Example

The tortoise is the least fast animal in the race.

most slowly

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of slowness

Example

The snail moves most slowly among all the creatures in the garden.

at the lowest pace

Used to indicate the slowest rate of movement or progress

Example

The elderly man walks at the lowest pace among all the hikers.

Using than with comparative “more slowly”

When using the comparative form more slowly to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He walks more slowly than his friends." Here, than is used to show that the speed of 'his' walking is lower than the speed of his friends' walking.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more slowly” and “slowest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Physical Activities

  She climbs the stairs more slowly than her sister.

  She climbs the stairs more slowly than her sister.

• 2. Vehicles

  The old car drives more slowly than the new one.

  The old car drives more slowly than the new one.

• 3. Technology

  The outdated computer runs more slowly than the modern one.

  The outdated computer runs more slowly than the modern one.

• 4. Sports

  He finished the race last and was declared the slowest runner.

  He finished the race last and was declared the slowest runner.

• 5. Achievements

  His longest time was his slowest accomplishment.

  His longest time was his slowest accomplishment.

Related idioms and phrases

Slow and steady wins the race

Taking your time and being consistent will lead to success.

Example

He didn't rush and took his time to complete the project. Slow and steady wins the race.

Snail's pace

To move very slowly.

Example

The traffic was moving at a snail's pace during rush hour.

Turtle speed

Describing something that moves exceptionally slowly, like a turtle.

Example

The old computer loads files at turtle speed.