gradation

noun

gra·da·tion | \ grā-ˈdā-shən

, grə-\

Definition of gradation

1a : 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

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Examples of gradation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Bertolucci’s films, morality is a story that is held together by infinite gradations of articulate color. — Lee Siegel, WSJ, "Bertolucci’s Obsessions," 30 Nov. 2018 But my dudes: Women know there are gradations of abuse. — David Roberts, Vox, "What so many men are missing about #MeToo," 10 Sep. 2018 In reality, there are many gradations between the poles. — Rob Reid, Ars Technica, "Ars on your lunch break: The toxic truths within our DNA," 18 July 2018 Few choral bodies are as sensitive to Ravel’s subtle gradations of color, and the singing of Wolfe’s 130 choristers brought out the evocative wonder at the outset of Part 2 of the ballet. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "CSO delivers a winning Ravel program under debut conductor Pintscher," 6 Apr. 2018 For a network like OWN, there is an immediate advantage in its singular focus on black life in all its gradations. — Jason Parham, WIRED, "How Oprah’s Network Finally Found Its Voice," 19 June 2018 But even within her sport, there are gradations of crazy. — David Wharton, latimes.com, "Ultra running can mean extreme heat, mountain climbs and, oh yeah, look out for those trees," 14 June 2018 Over the years, the scale has stretched to 10, in order to accommodate more gradations of sensation. — Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, "The Neuroscience of Pain," 9 May 2016 So, despite Helmchen’s gradations of touch, tone and color, his swift, clean interpretations suggested the pieces had been pretty much unencumbered by extramusical associations. — Alan Artner, chicagotribune.com, "German pianist Martin Helmchen closes Piano Series with Orchestra Hall recital," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gradation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.