Doucement or lentement for slowly

MaeveA2Kwiziq community member

Doucement or lentement for slowly

Why for open the door slowly: it's "doucement" instead of "lentement"

Asked 3 years ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Agree with Jim - ‘doucement’ adds a factor of ‘reducing/avoiding disturbance’ or ‘being careful’ - and is a word young French children can hear quite regularly !

Lentement is more specific to a comment on ‘speed’.

However, as doing something slowly is often required to do something gently, there is some overlap in contextual meaning, in French and in English translation.

 

JimC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Maeve,

The two adverbs have a certain synonymy but it is a matter of context as to which is the most appropriate.

If the meaning is gently / softly / delicately then  "doucement" otherwise for slowly "lentement" would probably be more apt.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Doucement or lentement for slowly

Why for open the door slowly: it's "doucement" instead of "lentement"

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