gradation
noun
gra·da·tion
grā-ˈdā-shən 
grə-
1
a
: a series forming successive stages
the gradations of evolutionary development
b
: a step or place in an ordered scale
2
: an advance by regular degrees
gradations of social progress
3
: a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another
4
: the act or process of grading
5
: ablaut
gradationally
adverb
Did you know?
In the Boy Scouts, gradations of rank move upward from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. A violin or a voice can produce gradations of musical pitch too small to appear in written music. In the 18th century Jonathan Swift could even write of "the several kinds and gradations of laughter, which ladies must daily practice by the looking-glass".
Examples of gradation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The dial, in a gradation of colors of the sea, reveals the shark emerging from the waves depending on the light and viewing angle.
—
Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
The prototype's brightness and colors looked excellent for an LED TV when stepping to the side, something Sony says is due to both the new display's cell structure as well as its advanced control over color gradation.
—Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2025
Souls were essentially androgynous, albeit with numerous gradations.
—James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradation
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Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
The prototype's brightness and colors looked excellent for an LED TV when stepping to the side, something Sony says is due to both the new display's cell structure as well as its advanced control over color gradation.
—Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2025
Souls were essentially androgynous, albeit with numerous gradations.
—James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradation
Cite this Entry
“Gradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gradation
noun
gra·da·tion
grā-ˈdā-shən
grə-
1
a
: a series of grades
2
: the act or process of grading
gradationally
adverb
-ē
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