gradual

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noun, often capitalized grad·u·al \ˈgra-jə-wəl, -jəl, ˈgraj-wəl\

Definition of gradual

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

Origin and Etymology of gradual

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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gradual

adjective grad·u·al

Definition of gradual

1 : proceeding by steps or degrees
2 : moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

gradually

adverb

gradualness

noun

See gradual defined for English-language learners

See gradual defined for kids

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of gradual from the Web

Board President Thomas Ace said he was persuaded by the consultant's presentation that the district can fund the improvements through gradual increases.

— karen brainard, Ramona Sentinel, "Directors adopt sewer rate hikes in 3-2 vote", 19 June 2017
Stan Waterhouse of Hunt Development Group briefed the board on the status of work on Roger Williams, which has been empty since last fall following a gradual relocation of tenants.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Mobile Housing Board moves forward on Roger Williams demolition, staff reorganization", 14 June 2017
FIFA has long been known as the series of continual, if gradual, improvements—but this year may be more of an upgrade than usual.

— john robertson, Ars Technica, "FIFA 18: Football for the many, not the few", 10 June 2017
Neither Saturn nor its moons go through gradual changes like the seasons on Earth.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Cassini Spacecraft Captures Saturn's Shifting Seasons and Summer Solstice", 25 May 2017
Hancock's plaint is that mainstream science is stuck in a uniformitarian model of slow, gradual change and so cannot accept a catastrophic explanation.

— michael shermer, Scientific American, "No, There Wasn't an Advanced Civilization 12,000 Years Ago", 22 May 2017
Conte also has managed club captain John Terry’s gradual fading out from the first team with grace and class.

— steve douglas, The Seattle Times, "Conte makes champion Chelsea a happy family again", 13 May 2017
Microsoft executives described it as a more gradual journey over time.

— mark hachman, PCWorld, "Meet the next Windows 10: The Fall Creators Update connects across devices", 11 May 2017
A narrow dirt lane leads off the paved road, down past a creek, then curls up a gradual rise to reveal the house.

— Southern Living, "Fireside Retreats", 1 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of gradual

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

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First Known Use: 1658

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GRADUAL Defined for English Language Learners

gradual

adjective

Definition of gradual for English Language Learners

: moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time
: not steep

GRADUAL Defined for Kids

gradual

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adjective grad·u·al \ˈgra-jə-wəl\

Definition of gradual for Students

: moving or happening by steps or degrees We watched the gradual approach of the train.

gradually

adverb Rain gradually ended.

Word Root of gradual

The Latin word gradus, meaning “step” or “degree,” gives us the root grad. Words from the Latin gradus have something to do with steps. Anything gradual happens slowly one step at a time. To degrade is to reduce from a higher to a lower degree. A grade is a step in school made up of one year of work. Even the word degree itself has gradus as its root.