French word

lentement

Pronunciation

IPA/lɑ̃təmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbslowly

Example

Parle lentement, s'il te plaît.

Please speak slowly.

Illustration for lentement (slowly)

More examples

La voiture roulait lentement dans la rue.

The car was driving slowly down the street.

Core concept

A voice or movement unfolding in small, unhurried stages rather than rushing ahead.

Common phrases

  • parler lentement

    speak slowly

  • aller lentement

    go slowly

  • avancer lentement

    move forward slowly

Similar words

doucement: With gentle movements and little force.
calmement: In a calm and composed manner.
peu à peu: Gradually, in small steps.

Definition in French

Indique qu'une action ou un mouvement se déroule à faible vitesse ou sans hâte.

Word origin

The adverb lentement combines lent, inherited from Latin lentus, with -ement, the regular French adverb-forming ending.

Usage tips

  • In lentement, the t is pronounced, unlike the usually silent final t of the adjective lent.

Other meanings

  • graduallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word