gradual

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

|Updated on: 4 Jul 2018

Examples: gradual in a Sentence

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

gradual

adjective

Definition of gradual

1 : proceeding by steps or degrees

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

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gradually

adverb

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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

This trend of grade inflation—the gradual increase in average GPAs over the past few decades—is often considered a product of a consumer era in higher education, in which students are treated like customers to be pleased.

— jeffrey selingo, The Atlantic, "Colleges Are Letting Students Take Classes Over Again," 29 June 2018
Powell, speaking in Portugal on June 20, said the case for continued gradual interest-rate increases remains strong.

— jeff stein, latimes.com, "Trump's top economic advisor says deficit is 'coming down rapidly,' contradicting virtually all available data," 29 June 2018
The gradual opening of the bond market is part of a step-by-step approach to financial reform.

— The Economist, "Why foreigners are keen buyers of Chinese government bonds," 28 June 2018
The second option—the gradual erosion of dust from cosmic radiation—is the explanation Meech and others find most likely. 'Oumuamua is long gone, forever faded from the view of even the world’s current best telescopes.

— nola taylor redd, Scientific American, "Interstellar Mystery Object Now Thought to Be a Comet," 27 June 2018
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's gradual raising of interest rates threatens the financing for many smaller farms.

— irina ivanova, CBS News, "Farmers in America are killing themselves in staggering numbers," 26 June 2018
From Tyler Houlton, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security: — Powell suggests gradual rate hikes will continue.

— paul kane, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Key financial panels on Capitol Hill may have new leaders come November," 21 June 2018
Many are saying that yesterday's carriage ride is symbolic of his eventual ascension to the throne and a gradual transfer of power.

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Charles and Camilla Took a Major Step Toward Becoming King and Queen Yesterday," 19 June 2018
While many economists think the current expansion will exceed the 1990's streak, some worry about what might occur once the impact of the tax cuts begin to fade and the Fed's gradual rate hikes begin to curb growth.

— martin crutsinger, chicagotribune.com, "Fed raises key rate and sees possible acceleration in hikes," 13 June 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1658

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

gradual Synonyms

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

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.

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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.