gradation

noun gra·da·tion \ grā-ˈdā-shən , grə- \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of gradation

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

—

gradational

play \grā-ˈdā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl, grə-\ adjective

—

gradationally

adverb

See gradation defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of gradation from the Web

Dating takes on many gradations, the North Philly resident explained, taking some time to think and sort.

— cassie owens, Philly.com, "Situationships: Why young people aren't making it official," 5 Apr. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Trump plans to replace McMaster, maybe others," 16 Mar. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth...

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Hensarling eager to put his stamp on Senate banking bill," 16 Mar. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth.

— chicagotribune.com, "Trump plans to replace H.R. McMaster as White House shakeup continues: sources," 16 Mar. 2018
That means not only a long-overdue (but still largely lacking) selection of darker hues, but more nuanced gradation throughout the scope of complexion colors too.

— marci robin, Glamour, "The Best Foundations for Every Skin Tone," 21 Mar. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Trump plans to replace McMaster, maybe others," 16 Mar. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth.

— chicagotribune.com, "Trump plans to replace H.R. McMaster as White House shakeup continues: sources," 16 Mar. 2018
The mood inside the White House in recent days has verged on mania, as Trump increasingly keeps his own counsel and senior aides struggle to determine the gradations between rumor and truth.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Trump plans to replace McMaster, maybe others," 15 Mar. 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.

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".

Origin and Etymology of gradation

see ¹grade

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1549

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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GRADATION Defined for English Language Learners

gradation

noun

Definition of gradation for English Language Learners

: a small difference between two points or parts that can be seen in something that changes gradually

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See words that rhyme with gradation Spanish Central: Translation of gradation Nglish: Translation of gradation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of gradation for Arabic speakers

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gradation

Definition of gradation

gradational

gradationally

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Origin and Etymology of gradation

GRADATION Defined for English Language Learners

gradation

Definition of gradation for English Language Learners

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gradation

Definition of gradation

gradational

gradationally

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gradation

Definition of gradation for English Language Learners

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