gradual

²gradual

adj

Definition of GRADUAL

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

— grad·u·al·ly adverb

— grad·u·al·ness noun

Examples of GRADUAL

1. We noticed a gradual change in temperature.
2. The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Origin of GRADUAL

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

First Known Use: 1658

Related to GRADUAL

Synonyms: gradational, incremental, phased, piecemeal, step-by-step

Antonyms: abrupt, sudden

Related Words: progressive, stepped, tapered; imperceptible, inching; decrescent, increscent

Near Antonyms: discontinuous, saltatory; acute, sharp; changeable, dynamic, meteoric, volatile

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Rhymes with GRADUAL

agile, fragile, vagile