gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

1

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

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

1

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms

Adjective

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Through shifts as gradual as shadows tracing a sundial, Helen’s cramped world slowly cracks open to admit other souls. —Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 May 2024

This inward shift, this internalization of an author’s voice, was made possible by the gradual standardization of punctuation, which allowed writing to become less dependent upon the cadences of speech and gave writers the freedom to explore more private realms of thought. —Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024

The approach is meant to apply gradual pressure to management. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024

Whether Takuya and Sakura will do well in the competition is a bit of an afterthought compared to the gradual tracing of the companionable bond that forms between them, or observing the mellowing climate as the island slowly emerges from winter into spring. —Catherine Bray, Variety, 19 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun