lentement
/lɑ̃t.mɑ̃/
lentement is the French word for 'slowly'.
The adverb lentement is used to describe an action that occurs at a low speed. While lentement focuses on the physical speed of an action, other French terms can express nuanced types of slowness. For example, doucement translates to 'gently' and can convey slowness, while tranquillement means 'calmly' or 'quietly' and suggests a relaxed pace. If you wish to express a slow, gradual progress, you might use pas à pas ('step by step') or the informal expression en douceur ('smoothly' or 'gently').
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb is formed by taking the feminine form of the adjective lente and adding the suffix -ment to it.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the adverb and the adjective. Use the adjective lent (masculine) or lente (feminine) to describe a noun, but use the adverb lentement to describe how an action is performed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb lentement is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the subject it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɑ̃t.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The adjective root lent appears in the English word 'lentitude', though it is a very rare and archaic term used to describe slowness.
- In French music notation, you might see the instruction lentement instead of the Italian 'lento' to indicate a slow tempo.
- While lentement describes speed, the related adjective lent can be used to describe a 'slow' person in a way that implies they are dull or lacking in intelligence.
Examples in context
- Marchez doucementWalk slowly
- Il parle lentementHe speaks slowly
- Le professeur parle lentement pour que nous puissions comprendre.The teacher speaks slowly so that we can understand.
- Il marche lentement dans le parc.He walks slowly in the park.
- Parlez plus lentement, s'il vous plaît.Speak more slowly, please.
- La tortue avance très lentement.The turtle moves very slowly.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking together in a museum.
- LucasMarchons lentement pour bien voir les tableaux.Let's walk slowly to see the paintings well.
- ManonD'accord, je suis un peu fatiguée.Okay, I am a little tired.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux t'asseoir un moment ?Do you want to sit down for a moment?
- ManonOui, c'est une bonne idée, Lucas.Yes, that is a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lentement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lentement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
